Cruz Hewitt reveals big Aus Open goal after Wimbledon heartbreak

Cruz Hewitt has hinted at his next venture in tennis, identifying the men’s draw of the Australian Open and Wimbledon as his next goal.

The 17-year-old fell agonisingly short of a fairytale debut in the Wimbledon boys’ tournament, defeated 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the final by American Jordan Lee.

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After his breakout week - where he failed to drop a set until his final two on court one - Hewitt said his next focus will be to make the men’s main draw of the Australian Open, telling reporters he probably would not play another junior level tournament.

“That would be the dream, that’s a big goal of mine and I feel like I can show my level,” he said of possibly being granted a wildcard at Melbourne next year.

“I’d have to get my ranking up a little bit, but with a whole lot of hard work, it’s possible. I look forward to definitely coming back in the future for the men’s.”

Hewitt is currently ranked world No.606.

After his loss in the two-hour and three-minute final, Hewitt looked composed but heartbroken as he was presented with the runner’s up plate. He was impressive throughout the entire final and led 4-2 in the deciding third set before Lee fought back.

“I think a pretty good week by me. Happy...to make the final, it was very special to play on court one and with how many people came, I felt (a) very good atmosphere,” he said to Stan Sport.

“I’ve always known...that I can play good on grass and grass suits my game well, but I feel I matured a lot on the court, but still a lot of things to work on, which is a positive. I look forward to working on those things.

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“I’ve always known who I am, but I guess other people are starting to see it now, but...some call it a breakout week, but I’m just ready to get back to training.”

The 17-year-old son of former world No.1 Lleyton Hewitt looked in control for most of the match as he sought to win the title 24 years after his dad lifted the men’s trophy at the tournament.

But his incredible run was brought undone by 16-year-old Lee, the youngest in the 2026 boys’ draw.

“I think I played some very good tennis...being able to make the final and play on this beautiful court, it’s been really unreal,” Hewitt said after the match.

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“Obviously I grew up around this tournament, seen my dad play, seen this court for many years now. It’s been a privilege to play on any court here and being around all the fans, it’s been a really good atmosphere all week.”

After match point, Lee celebrated with a dance on the hallowed grass of court one before he was overcome with emotions. He climbed into the stands to celebrate with his team. As he collected his trophy, he congratulated Hewitt and revealed a year ago he was on his couch with “lots of injuries”, unsure if he would play tennis again.

“So I’m really happy to be here,” Lee said.

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Hewitt played with his father in the coach’s box and actress mother Bec Hewitt cheering on in the stands in one of the longest-ever boys’ finals at Wimbledon.

Hewitt was unseeded and had to beat four consecutive seeded players, including the No.2 seed, on his way to even reach the finals.

Cruz is the first Australian to reach the junior boys’ final since Alex de Minaur in 2016. Australia’s last winner was Luke Saville in 2011.

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