Lleyton Hewitt’s son Cruz making his own way in tennis

Lleyton Hewitt understands better than anyone the “bloody long journey” awaiting his teenage son and rising tennis junior Cruz.

But he can’t help but laugh at how little it fazes him.

The younger Hewitt, 15, recently won two ITF junior titles and is rapidly attracting attention and plaudits.

He also claimed his first professional win when he beat Thijmen Loof in Bali in August.

Now the world’s No.113-ranked junior, Cruz is expected to play in the Australian Open juniors again after a first-round exit on debut this year.

“Most likely he’ll be playing in the juniors, which is pretty awesome for him again,” Hewitt said at Thursday’s Open launch in Melbourne.

“He got the experience of being there earlier this year, and then, yeah, to come back.

“And I think it’s every kid’s dream to play in a grand slam, but we’re very fortunate being in this country, that we get it in our backyard as well.

“He’s obviously seen a lot of these players before him that have played, so yeah, pretty exciting.”

There is understandably plenty of attention on Cruz, given his pedigree, as he starts to forge his own career.

“I don’t think he focuses on it too much,” Hewitt said.

“He’s like most kids these days, they just go about their thing.

“One thing – he’s never been shy of playing on big courts or in front of people. So he sort of takes it in his stride.

“It’s his journey, and it’s a very long journey, and he’s only just got his first ATP (point) which is fantastic to start somewhere, but it does feel like a bloody long journey.”

The younger Hewitt also has height on his side.

He has shot up in recent years, now towering over both his father and mother Bec.

“Bec’s obviously fed him well,” Hewitt joked.

“He’s got us covered by a long way. Easily taller than me.”