Lleyton Hewitt says it’s important his son Cruz enjoys his tennis and moves past the inevitable comparisons with his famous father after being granted a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament. Former World No.17 Bernard Tomic and two-time grand slam champion Simona Halep are among other high-profile names to be given wildcards for qualifying for the first grand slam tournament of 2025.

But all eyes will be on Cruz Hewitt and whether the son of Australia’s Davis Cup captain and two-time major winner can follow in the footsteps of his legendary dad. Cruz has only just turned 16 and will attempt to reach the main draw at the Australian Open for the first time in his burgeoning career – 28 years after Lleyton debuted at Melbourne Park as a 15-year-old.

Cruz is one of Australia’s most highly rated juniors and is expected to feature in the Australian Open junior tournament again but will look to step up his transition to senior tennis in 2025. The teenager was knocked out in the first round of the junior tournament at Melbourne Park this year and has since risen to become junior World No.107.

The 16-year-old will need to win three consecutive matches in qualifying to book his place in a maiden grand slam tournament at the Australian Open. And the comparisons with his dad will only grow stronger if he’s able to achieve the feat. But Cruz appears to be taking the attention and expectation in his stride after insisting it’s nothing new for him.

“It is what it is, but I don’t really mind,” he said at this month’s Newcombe Medal. “It just drives me to be better.” Cruz missed out on winning junior tennis player of the year at the Newcombe Medal but photos of him alongside parents Lleyton and Bec show the remarkable growth spurt he’s undergone over the last six years.

Lleyton Hewitt says comparison nothing new for son Cruz

As far as the comparisons with his famous dad go, Lleyton admitted it’s something Cruz has had to deal with his whole life. “Oh, they’ve already been there – ever since he picked up a racquet,” the 43-year-old Hewitt revealed. “He’s just got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun. He’s been doing great so far.”

Cruz will be hoping to emulate the incredible rise of his famous dad, who went on an inspired run through qualifying as a 15-year-old wildcard in 1997 to reach the first of 20 consecutive main draw appearances at the Australian Open. Lleyton went on to become World No.1 and claimed US Open and Wimbledon titles across a decorated career.

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Bernard Tomic and Simona Halep handed Aus Open wildcards

Other notable names to be given wildcards for Australian Open qualifying include renowned bad boy Tomic, who along with veteran Jason Kubler and Alex Bolt make up 10 Aussie men vying for a spot in the main draw. If the 32-year-old Tomic is successful it would be his first main draw appearance in four years after making it through to the fourth round of his home slam on three occasions.

Another big name hoping to make her Australian Open return is former World No.1 Halep, who is stepping up her comeback from a controversial four-year doping ban that was overturned earlier this year. Halep successfully appealed and had the ban reduced to nine months but has seen her ranking slide way out to 877 in the world – leaving her unable to secure direct entry into qualifying.

“The thought of returning to Australia after three years is exciting and I’m very grateful to the tournament for this opportunity,” said Halep on ausopen.com. “I have been working hard to get ready for the 2025 season. The Australian Open has provided me with some of the best moments in my career, so I can’t wait to be back in Melbourne and playing in front of the Aussie fans.”