An American sensation has ended Cruz Hewitt’s bid to end an Australian drought dating 15 years when edging the emerging talent in a high-class boys final at Wimbledon on Sunday.
With his famous father Lleyton urging the 17-year-old, Hewitt performed admirably against Jordan Lee but could not sustain the momentum when beaten 4-6 6-4 7-5 in 2hr 02min.
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Seeking to join greats including Roger Federer and Bjorn Borg as winners of the prestigious junior event, the Sydneysider started well against a rival of immense potential.
But as the match progressed Lee, who has been training with world No.5 Ben Shelton in Florida and resembles Spanish soccer star Lamine Yamal, demonstrated why the American No.1 believes the prodigy can be a future great.
The 16-year-old used a withering forehand to wear down the Australian, whose hold on the final diminished when he dropped serve while leading the deciding set 4-3.
With tennis luminaries including a famous Bryan brother in attendance, Lee was able to seize the triumph with a thunderous backhand winner that drew a standing ovation.
Hewitt was clearly dismayed after the narrow loss and sat with his head down for several moments as his rival celebrated with a dance in the middle of the court.
But the right-hander received a standing ovation himself when accepting the runner-up trophy and delivered a measured acceptance speech which also drew applause from fans thrilled at witnessing a match of such quality.
“I feel like I played some really good tennis and it was just a great battle today,” Hewitt said.
“(It was a) very special week for me. I think I played some good tennis as well, and I am happy with my level and just (to be) able to make the final.
“Obviously I grew up around this tournament (and I have) seen my dad play, seen this court for many years now, and … it’s been a privilege to play on (this beautiful) court here, being around all the fans.”
The Australian is in good company as a beaten finalist, for his occasional hitting partner and current world No.6 Alex de Minaur was runner-up a decade ago in the boys final.
Although Bjorg, Federer, Swede Stefan Edberg and Aussie great Pat Cash have followed junior success at Wimbledon by winning the men’s championships, it has been a curse for the past three decades.
Federer in 1998 is the last boy’s winner to follow up in the senior ranks, though Grigor Dimitrov, Gael Mondils and Denis Shapovalov, who defeated de Minaur in 2016, have all reached the top 10.
But Hewitt demonstrated in the final, and with wins over several extremely talented rivals over the past week, that he has the firepower to give him a chance of making a successful transition to senior ranks.
Follow Cruz Hewitt in the Wimbledon boys singles final live below!