CRUZ HEWITT has landed his first-ever ATP tour win with a surprise victory in Washington.The rising tennis prospect has been a regular on the junior circuit for almost four years.AdvertisementHewitt, 17, reached the final of the Wimbledon boys tournament earlier this month.He faced off against US starlet Jordan Lee but was unable to claim his first junior Grand Slam title.That impressive performance saw him offered a wildcard spot at the ATP 500 tournament in Washington, DC.He was drawn against world No85 Marcos Giron and went on to secure his first ATP main draw win 6-3 6-4.The New South Wales native was applauded by the crowd as he became the tournament’s youngest winner since Kei Nishikori in 2007.Tennis runs in the blood for Hewitt, with his dad being legendary former world No1 Lleyton Hewitt.And he copied his father’s famous “vicht” celebration a remarkable 22 years on from his own victory in the same tournament.The Australian star made a four-finger salute iconic during his playing career on the court.AdvertisementSUN VEGAS WELCOME OFFER: GET UP TO £100 BONUSThough Cruz did admit that he did not know the true significance of the salute after he did it.It was originally created by Swedish player Niclas Kroon and “vicht” roughly translates to “for sure”Hewitt Sr, 45, retired from tennis in 2016 having won two Grand Slam titles and 30 singles titles.And he was top of the world rankings for an impressive 80 weeks in the early 2000s.AdvertisementCruz spoke after beating Giron and remembered watching his dad play in the tournament over a decade ago.He said: “I remember being in the locker room. I remember my dad making his protein shake… being around him on the practice court.“I remember I did an interview with him as well, and now sitting here doing my own interview, it’s surreal.”He also revealed that his dad gave him some important advice before he stepped onto the court.AdvertisementCruz added: “His main advice was just to enjoy it, enjoy the opportunity I had.“When I enjoy it, I think I bring my best game when I’m having fun.”He will now come up against Alex de Minaur, who also acts as his mentor in training.They will face off in the round of 16 for a spot in the quarter-finals.
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