Cruz Hewitt - son of Lleyton - wins on senior debut

Seventeen-year-old Cruz Hewitt claimed his first ATP main draw victory this week at the Washington Open. The Australian teenager defeated Marcos Giron in straight sets, finishing the match in 74 minutes. This win represents a major milestone for the young athlete as he begins his professional career on the tour.

The tournament holds historical significance for the family, as Cruz's father, former world number one Lleyton Hewitt, secured the same title back in 2004. Seeing his father's name on the list of past champions provided extra motivation for the teenager during his qualifying rounds. He noted that being comfortable in professional locker rooms and practice environments is a primary goal at this stage of his development.

Following the win, Cruz mirrored his father's trademark bicep curl celebration. He credited his father for playing a significant role in his growth as a player and his understanding of the professional game. The win marks his entry into a new phase of competition after reaching the final of the boys' singles at Wimbledon earlier this year.

Moving forward, the draw may see him face fellow Australian Alex de Minaur. The top seed and defending Washington champion is slated to play against Stefanos Tsitsipas in his next match. For now, the younger Hewitt remains focused on the experience of competing at the highest level and refining his skills against seasoned professionals.