<h2>Cruz Hewitt Eyeing Australian Open Qualification – Straight Sets Summary:</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>- &nbsp; Cruz Hewitt loses Brisbane International qualifying debut despite a strong start against world number 62 Kamil Majchrzak.</p> <p>- &nbsp; 17-year-old showcases promising tennis talent with fighting performance reminiscent of his father Lleyton.</p> <p>- &nbsp; Young Australian receives<a href="https://www.sportsbet.com.au/betting/tennis/mens-australian-open/men-s-australian-open-winner-2026-8896398"> Australian Open</a> qualifying wildcard with chance to make history at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Young Hewitt’s Brisbane Debut Falls Short</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 17-year-old son of Australian tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt made his mark at the Brisbane International qualifying tournament, though not quite in the way he'd hoped.</p> <p>Currently ranked 735th in the ATP standings, Cruz received a wildcard entry and faced a stern test against Poland's Kamil Majchrzak, ranked 62nd globally.</p> <p>The match showcased both the teenager's potential and the gulf in experience at professional level. Cruz burst out of the blocks brilliantly, breaking serve in the opening game and establishing a commanding 4-2 lead in the first set.</p> <p>However, the seasoned Pole gradually wrestled control back, eventually prevailing 6-4, 7-5 after one hour and 23 minutes of competitive tennis.</p> <p>Despite the defeat, tennis observers noted Cruz's fighting spirit and tactical awareness throughout the encounter.</p> <p>His on-court presence bears striking similarities to his father's legendary determination, suggesting the Hewitt tennis genes remain strong.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Australian Open Opportunity Awaits</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The Brisbane setback won't derail Cruz's immediate ambitions, with Australian Open qualifying presenting another golden opportunity.</p> <p>The teenager has secured a wildcard into the qualifying draw for tennis's first Grand Slam of 2026, scheduled to begin Monday, January 12th at Melbourne Park.</p> <p>Australian Open qualifying represents a gruelling three-round gauntlet, with players battling for just 16 coveted spots in both men's and women's main draws.</p> <p>For Cruz, success would create a remarkable piece of Australian sporting history - becoming the second member of his family to qualify for the Australian Open as a teenager.</p> <p>His father Lleyton achieved this feat in 1997, becoming the youngest man ever to qualify for the Australian Open at just 15 years and 11 months old.</p> <p>Should Cruz navigate the qualifying rounds successfully, he'd join his father in an exclusive club of teenage Australian Open qualifiers.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>The Hewitt Legacy Continues</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>This marks Cruz's second consecutive year attempting Australian Open qualification, having made his senior Grand Slam debut in last year's qualifying tournament.</p> <p>The experience gained from that inaugural attempt, combined with his Brisbane International performance, suggests the young Australian is rapidly adapting to professional tennis demands.</p> <p>The teenager's development comes at an exciting time for Australian tennis, with the sport enjoying renewed domestic interest following strong performances from local players on the international stage.</p> <p>Cruz's emergence adds another compelling storyline to Australia's tennis narrative.</p> <p>Australian tennis fans won't need to wait long for their next glimpse of the Hewitt tennis dynasty in action.</p> <p>With qualifying beginning in just seven days, Cruz has minimal time for Brisbane disappointment before focusing entirely on his Melbourne Park ambitions.</p> <p>The pressure surrounding young athletes with famous sporting parents often proves overwhelming, yet Cruz appears to be handling expectations with maturity beyond his years.</p> <p>His Brisbane performance demonstrated both the raw talent and mental fortitude required for professional tennis success.</p> <p>Success at Australian Open qualifying would represent a significant breakthrough moment, not just for Cruz personally, but for Australian tennis's next generation.</p> <p>The stage is set for what could prove a defining week in the teenager's burgeoning career.</p>