Bec Cartwright and Lleyton Hewitt, two prominent figures in Australian entertainment and sports, are set to celebrate their 21st wedding anniversary this July. The couple, who first captured the public’s attention with their romance, have since built a family that includes their son, Cruz Hewitt, 17, who is emerging as a promising tennis talent, potentially outshining his famous parents.
Bec, now 42, rose to fame as one of Australia’s cherished soap stars, portraying Hayley in Home and Away before pursuing a successful pop music career. Lleyton, 44, is known as a former world No. 1 tennis player. Together, they have created a supportive environment for their children’s aspirations.
Cruz is currently following in his father’s footsteps, actively competing in junior tennis tournaments. He had a significant year in 2022, making his mark by competing in the junior rounds of the prestigious US Open. This year, however, he faced a setback at the Australian Open when he was eliminated by American player Michael Zheng in the first round of qualifying. Despite the loss, Cruz garnered attention and support, walking away with $40,000 in earnings and holding a world ranking of No. 734.
In a display of his commitment to the sport, Cruz was recognized with the Male Junior Athlete of the Year Award at the Newcombe Medal ceremony in Melbourne last December, with his proud parents in attendance. His parents’ encouragement has been instrumental in his development as a player.
Cruz’s passion for tennis runs deep, having made his Wimbledon debut last year, although he was eliminated early from the boys’ competition. Demonstrating his father’s influence, Cruz is often seen mimicking Lleyton’s signature hand gestures and catchphrase “c’mon” during matches, showing a sense of pride in his family’s legacy.
Reflecting on the challenges of being in a sporting family, Cruz acknowledged the duality of both pressure and privilege. He stated that striving to surpass his father’s achievements serves as motivation. Lleyton, now involved in mentoring and coaching, has expressed his pride in Cruz’s journey, reinforcing the familial support that stands behind the young athlete.
With a lineage of sporting excellence, Cruz joins the ranks of other notable athletes like Josh and Nick Daicos in AFL, and Jamie and Andy Murray in tennis, who also carry the legacy of their famous parents. As he continues to hone his skills on the court, the future looks bright for Cruz Hewitt, with hopes that he will carve out his own name in the sporting world.