Cruz Hewitt made an impressive Challenger debut in Brisbane! Competing at Pat Rafter Arena, the 16-year-old ousted world no. 192 James McCabe 6-2, 6-1 in an hour and 22 minutes.
Thus, the son of the former world no. 1 became the fourth player born in 2008 with a Challenger win, and the first non-German. Before him,Diego Dedura-Palomero, Niels McDonald and Jamie Mackenzie achieved the feat.
Ranked 818th, a teenager took charge on serve and return and dominated the much more experienced player. Hewitt played well behind the first and second serve, defending the only break point he faced and mounting the pressure on the other side.
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James could not follow the young gun's pace. The older Aussie gave away over 50% of the points in his games and experienced two breaks in each set from nine opportunities presented to the youngster.
Cruz made a reliable start and secured four comfortable holds in the opening set. He missed three break points in the second game but kept his focus and determination.
The 16-year-old seized the second break point at 2-1, building the advantage and gaining a boost. Hewitt served well in games five and seven to forge a 5-2 lead and keep his rival under pressure.
McCabe cracked under it in game eight. He wasted a game point and netted a routine forehand on a set point, allowing a teenager to clinch the first part of the duel 6-2 in 44 minutes.
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Hewitt was the only player on the court in the second set. He held at 15 in the first game with a service winner and secured a break in the next one to find himself a set and a break in front.
The 16-year-old closed the third game with a volley winner at the net and landed an ace two games later for a hold at love and 4-1. Cruz drew the rival's error in the sixth game, providing another break and serving for the win at 5-1.
The young Aussie faced the first break point and saved it with another volley and a forced mistake. Hewitt squandered two match points before seizing the third with a service winner, celebrating his first Challenger win at 16.
