CRUZ HEWITT has landed his first-ever ATP tour win with his surprise win in Washington.
The tennis prospect has been a regular on the junior circuit for almost four years.
Cruz Hewitt has won his first ATP main draw win Credit: Getty
He is the son of a tennis legend Credit: Getty
Hewitt, 17, was able to reach 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.
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His performance saw him be 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.
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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 ATP legend Lleyton Hewitt.
And he copied his father’s famous “vicht” celebration a remarkable 22 years on from his victory in the same tournament.
The Australian star made a four-finger salute iconic during his playing career on the court.
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Former world no1 Lleyton Hewitt is Cruz’s father Credit: EPA
Though Cruz did admit that he did not know the 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 snr, 45, retired from tennis in 2016 having won two Grand Slam titles and 30 singles titles.
He even held the world no1 spot for an impressive 80 weeks in the early 2000s.
Cruz 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.
He won 30 singles titles during his tennis career Credit: EPA
He was in the stands as Cruz earned his landmark victory Credit: AP
Cruz 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.
