Cruz Hewitt may have faced disappointment in winning the junior tennis player of the year at the Newcombe Medal on Monday night. However, a photo with his renowned parents reveals an astonishing growth spurt that has occurred over the past six years. Father Lleyton Hewitt believes that the 15-year-old is not about to slow down anytime soon.

Witnessing Cruz Hewitt's Incredible Growth and Tennis Aspirations

Cruz's Physical Attributes and Game Style

Lleyton Hewitt is known for his short stature and exceptional footwork and speed on the court. In contrast, Cruz is tall and lanky, possessing a more powerful game. The comparisons to his father are inevitable, but Cruz takes it all in his stride. "It is what it is. But I don't really mind," he said on Monday night. "It just drives me to be better. I've seen a few of [Lleyton's highlights]. Just some of the big matches. I think we have a bit of a different game style."This difference in physical attributes has led to a distinct approach to the game. Cruz knows exactly how he wants to play, stating, "I like to bring the energy. And (to) serve – I love hitting forehands as well. I love Ben Shelton and I love (now-retired) Dominic Thiem."

Cruz's Tennis Career Progress

Currently ranked World No.107 on the junior circuit, Cruz's ranking reached as high as No.99 in October. He has achieved remarkable success, winning two ITF junior titles in 2024 and claiming his first professional win in August. These victories showcase his growing talent and determination.The 15-year-old is now looking to build on his achievements and go one better at the Australian Open in January. After losing in the first round of the junior event in 2024, he expressed his excitement to get back on the court. "The crowd was so good. The support was amazing," he said. "I was a bit sad I didn't get the win, but it was still a great experience, and definitely I learned a lot, so I'm excited to get back out there next year."

The Transition to the Men's Tour

Lleyton Hewitt made his debut in the main draw of the Australian Open at the age of 16, a feat that is not easy to replicate. Cruz is now facing the challenge of transitioning to playing against grown men. Lleyton emphasizes the importance of patience, stating, "It's getting harder and harder to jump onto the men's tour at such a young age and to make that transition. So he's just got to enjoy it. And it's stepping stones, it's about always trying to keep improving."Cruz is aware of the difficulties ahead but remains focused on his goals. He is determined to continue his growth and make a name for himself in the tennis world.

The NCAA has made a significant announcement by granting a bid to award the USTA National Campus the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships for a remarkable 10-year period starting in 2028. This decision is set to firmly establish Orlando and the USTA National Campus as the definitive home of college tennis. It aims to replicate the highly successful models of the Men’s College World Series and Women’s College World Series, which are held annually in Omaha, Nebraska, and Oklahoma City, respectively.

A Landmark Agreement for College Tennis in Orlando

Infrastructure Enhancements for a Memorable Experience

The USTA has meticulously planned a series of infrastructure enhancements. These improvements will not only enhance the Championships for both student-athletes and fans but also leave a lasting impact on the Orlando community. Six new indoor courts will be added, bringing the total number of available indoor courts to 12. These courts will feature improved viewing areas, ensuring that spectators can enjoy the matches to the fullest. Additionally, permanent shade structures will be constructed at the Collegiate Center, which houses 12 outdoor competition courts. This will provide much-needed shade during matches and enhance the overall experience for players and spectators alike. The USTA is also committed to enhancing student-athlete amenities and scoring infrastructure, ensuring that the athletes have everything they need to perform at their best.

According to Lew Sherr, CEO and Executive Director of the USTA, “This is a momentous day for the USTA and for college tennis. Supporting college tennis is a growing priority for us as it is the aspirational dream of youth tennis players across the country. It is also an increasingly vital part of the elite player development pathway. We are proud to bring this event to Orlando for years to come and are excited to work alongside the NCAA and our local partners to elevate this event and give college tennis the platform it so richly deserves.”

The USTA’s commitment to enhancing the Championships goes beyond infrastructure. They have also pledged to work with the NCAA and other college tennis stakeholders to raise the profile of the event. This includes increasing on-site fan engagement and supplementing existing NCAA broadcast agreements. By doing so, they aim to create a more immersive and exciting experience for fans both on-site and at home.

Long-Term Hosting and Community Impact

The NCAA previously announced that the USTA National Campus was awarded the 2028 NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Tennis Championships. This year’s event will mark the first of 10 consecutive years, concluding in 2037, with the Orlando facility hosting the final three rounds of the season-ending team championships. If the individual singles and doubles championships, which are currently being held in the fall as part of a two-year pilot program, move back to the spring, the USTA National Campus will also host those events each year.

Terry Mohajir, UCF Vice President and Director of Athletics, expressed his excitement about partnering with the USTA as co-hosts for the NCAA Division I Tennis Championships. He said, “This is a testament to our community’s passion for sports and our commitment to providing an unforgettable experience for athletes and fans from all over. Being able to host prestigious events such as this over a 10-year period continues to shine the spotlight on Orlando as a premier sports destination while also strengthening our college athletics brand.”