Cruz Hewitt honours father with iconic celebration after career breakthrough at Washington Open 2026
Cruz Hewitt won his first Washington DC Open 2026 match at the age of 17
Cruz Hewitt marked the biggest milestone of his young career by winning his first ATP Tour-level match at the Washington DC Open 2026 on Tuesday. The Australian qualifier, ranked No. 612 in the world, beat USA’s Marcos Giron 6-3, 6-4 in the opening round of the ATP 500 event.
It came 22 years after his father, former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, lifted the Washington DC Open title in 2004. This victory also made the 17-year-old the youngest player to win a match in the tournament since Kei Nishikori did so in 2007.
“It’s pretty surreal to win here,” Cruz said. “Obviously I saw my dad play here. I came to his last tournament, I remember. There are so many memories of that. To make it to round two, it’s very special.”
He became only the fourth tennis player born in or after 2008 to register an ATP Tour-level win, along with Germany’s Diego Dedura, the Netherlands’ Thijs Boogaard, and France’s Moise Kouame.
Also Read: Washington Open 2026: All you need to know about prize money & points on offer
Lleyton Hewitt’s advice to his son
Playing in his first ATP Tour main draw, Cruz revealed that his father, who was in attendance during Tuesday’s match, provided some simple advice.
“It was my first tour main draw match, so (he told me) just to enjoy it and take every point one-by-one, really enjoy the atmosphere and the crowd,” Cruz said.
“I tried to do as best as I could. I just see there’s a little pressure, but I try and take the positive and come with it as well. I’m happy with how I’m dealing with it so far.”
Cruz has enjoyed a brilliant rise in 2026. He took part in Wimbledon 2026 last month, finishing runners-up in the boys’ singles event. He lost the final to USA’s Jordan Lee 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. He carried that form to the Washington DC Open, winning his first senior ATP match.
Cruz Hewitt recreates father’s celebration
With his father watching from the stands, Cruz celebrated his win over Giron by recreating Lleyton Hewitt’s iconic celebration, pulling out the hand gesture and shouting “C’mon!”
Interestingly, the youngster revealed after the match that he was not even aware of what the celebration was called.
“It’s called the vicht, I think. I need to check on that, to be honest. He never named it. He just always did it. And then when I was little, I’ve just seen it. I’ve never really asked about it, so I might have to do that,” he told the Tennis Channel.
“But no, it’s cool to be able to do that. Because obviously my dad’s been a huge part of where I am today. So, I’m grateful to have him.”
Cruz will face either Greece’s Stefanos Tsitsipas or fellow Australian Alex de Minaur in the Washington DC Open 2026 second round.
When is Washington DC Open 2026 taking place?
The tournament is taking place between July 27 and August 2.
Who will Cruz Hewitt face next at Washington DC Open 2026?
He will play either Stefanos Tsitsipas (Greece) or Alex de Minaur (Australia) in the second round of the ATP 500 event.
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Sushruta has spent over two years covering football, with a particular focus on Indian and international competitions. Alongside football, he has reported on a variety of sports, bringing curiosity and perspective to every story. When he’s not following the action, he can usually be found binge-watching movies or getting lost in a good book.