Inside the Mind of Cruz Hewitt: Australia ’ s Top Junior Tennis Prospect

 At just 16 years old, Cruz Hewitt is already making serious waves in the tennis world. 

Currently ranked No. 39 on the ITF Junior World Tour, Cruz holds the distinction of being Australia’s highest-ranked junior — and even more impressively, he’s cracked the ATP professional rankings at 839, making him one of the youngest players in the world with a pro ranking. 

Recently, I had the chance to spend a full week with Cruz, supporting him on tour and working closely on his training, recovery, and overall performance. It was a powerful reminder of the dedication it takes to perform at this level — and the potential Cruz has to go much further. 

In this exclusive interview, Cruz opened up about his journey, the sacrifices he's made, and what it really takes to push the limits as a young athlete. Whether you're a junior player chasing your own goals or a tennis parent navigating the pathway, there’s plenty to take away from Cruz’s mindset and approach. 

When the Dream Became Clear 

Q: How old were you when you knew you wanted to be a tennis player? 

Cruz: "LIKE FULLY, 10 YEARS OLD. I WAS PLAYING OTHER SPORTS BUT KNEW THEN IT WAS WHAT I WANTED TO DO." 

By the age of 10, Cruz had already made the decision. While many kids at that age are still exploring sports casually, Cruz had a clear sense of direction — and that kind of focus has guided him ever since. 

The Sacrifices Behind the Scenes 

Q: How hard has it been to get to where you are now? 

Cruz: "IT’S HARD BECAUSE I DON’T GO TO SCHOOL SO I MISS FRIENDSHIPS. EVEN AT SCHOOL I WAS STRAIGHT TO PRACTICE FROM SCHOOL SO YOU MISS THOSE OTHER THINGS KIDS GET TO DO. IT’S ALSO TOUGH BACKING UP EACH DAY WORKING HARD AND TRYING TO BE DISCIPLINED." 

The reality of high-performance sport is often unseen. Behind the trophies and rankings are early mornings, long hours on court, and moments of social sacrifice. Cruz is honest about the cost — missing school friendships, weekends off, and the downtime most teens enjoy. 

But it’s also clear he’s not making excuses — he’s made a choice, and he owns it. 

Results Built on Preparation 

Cruz recently completed a 5-week tour in Asia, training for two weeks followed by three consecutive tournaments in hot and humid conditions — and walked away with two finals, a quarterfinal, and a doubles title. 

I was fortunate to be with Cruz during the final week of that block, helping him with his off-court training, recovery protocols, and overall physical preparation. What stood out was his professional attitude — at just 16, he already thinks and trains like an elite-level athlete. 

Q: What does it take to get results like that? 

Cruz: "HARD WORK EVERY DAY, BELIEF YOU HAVE DONE THE WORK SO YOU CAN GET THE RESULTS, AND A GOOD MINDSET — TRYING TO HAVE THAT EVERY DAY." 

This is where Cruz's mindset really shines. He doesn’t talk about natural talent. He talks about the work — and the belief that comes from knowing you’ve earned it. 

Tips for Aspiring Junior Players 

Q: Any tips for young players trying to improve? 

Cruz: "NOTHING BEATS HARD WORK, GET THAT RIGHT. WHAT ELSE IS IMPORTANT IS TO HAVE FUN, YOU GOT TO ENJOY THE PROCESS." 

It’s easy to overlook this in the world of junior tennis — the importance of enjoying the ride. While hard work is non-negotiable, Cruz reminds young players that tennis is still a game. Loving the process is key to longevity and success. 

Takeaways for Junior Players and Parents 

Cruz’s story is an important reminder of what separates the good from the great — and it’s not luck or shortcuts. 

Here are a few key lessons we can all learn from his journey: 

• Start with a clear vision. Decide what you want early and commit fully. 

• Be ready to sacrifice. Growth doesn’t come without giving things up. 

• Show up every day. The grind is where the magic happens. 

• Trust your preparation. Confidence comes from knowing you've put in the work. 

• Keep enjoying it. Passion fuels persistence. 

Wimbledon Sale: 25% Off All Programs

Spending that week with Cruz really fired me up. Seeing his work ethic, mindset, and love for the game reminded me why I started doing this in the first place — to help players reach their potential with the right training and support.

So, during Wimbledon, I wanted to do something special.

For a limited time, I’m offering 25% off all my Tennis Fitness programs — the exact methods I use with players like Cruz. Whether you're a junior starting out, a parent looking for structure, or someone aiming to train like the pros, this is a great chance to take that next step.

👉 Grab the Wimbledon Sale Here

Let me know if you have any questions — I’d love to help guide your journey.

– Nathan