Across his short career, Cruz Hewitt has progressed in leaps and bounds, but Wednesday’s boys’ singles third-round match might have provided the 17-year-old with his greatest achievement to date.
Hewitt downed world No.2 Jamie Mackenzie 6-3 6-4 to reach his maiden junior Grand Slam quarterfinal. After bowing out to three seeds in his last four junior majors, Hewitt needed just 69 minutes to record his biggest victory at that level.
The teenager was efficient on serve, firing eight aces without committing a double fault, as he continues his career-best junior Grand Slam campaign.
"I think I played pretty good match and feel like I did the right things. It's good to get the win,” Hewitt told AAP.
“I'm pretty happy to be in the quarterfinals and happy that I get to play another match at this tournament."
Hewitt sourced motivation from another strong Australian crowd throughout his match, a key factor in helping him defeat the German.
"The Australian people in the crowd have just been really good. I got a few 'Aussie, Aussie, Aussies!' today, and that definitely helps, gets my energy up. I perform better in those type of situations on the court," said Hewitt, who aims to become the first Australian boys’ singles champion since Luke Saville in 2011.
"I showed my appreciation to those who were cheering for me and basically helping me get over the line. I appreciate everyone who does that."
> READ: Cruz Hewitt notches best junior Slam result at Wimbledon
The triumph adds another layer to Hewitt’s grasscourt dominance in 2026. Predominantly competing on the professional circuit, Hewitt has won 11 of his 14 matches on the surface this year, which includes reaching an Australian Pro Tour final in Wodonga in March.
His experience at professional level is currently paying dividends, following his last junior tournament at US Open 2025. After his first-round exit to No.4 seed Benjamin Willwerth in New York, Hewitt competed in 24 straight professional tournaments amid the transition from the junior circuit.
Turning 18 in December, Hewitt's breakout campaign is drawing comparisons to a fellow New South Welshman; he is the first Australian to progress to the Wimbledon boys’ singles quarterfinal since Alex de Minaur progressed to the 2016 final.
Hewitt also aims to emulate his father’s title-winning run at Wimbledon 2002, the last time an Australian won the men’s singles crown. With his father in his corner at SW19, Hewitt is benefiting from his support.
"I've warmed up with him every day, so he helps me a lot. Obviously, having him on the sidelines has helped, just to support me being there. I'm grateful for him in my corner," he said.
Another seed awaits the teenager in the quarterfinals, with ninth seed Dimitar Kisimov his next opponent. While Hewitt has high hopes against the Bulgarian, who is yet to face in a match, he is also taking a measured approach to his overall campaign.
"Every tournament, you come in and you hope to win it, but I'm just here taking it one match at a time," he said.
"So far, three matches and I've enjoyed playing every one. So next match, I'll try and do the same and then we'll see how it goes."
You can watch Wimbledon 2026 on the channels of the Nine Network and Stan Sport.