TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Cruz Hewitt's impressive run to the Wimbledon boys' singles final has not only showcased the Australian teenager's growing promise on the court but also rekindled memories of one of tennis' most enduring family friendships, as Roger Federer's twin daughters, Myla and Charlene, were seen congratulating him after his semifinal victory.
Yahoo News revealed that images of the reunion quickly spread across social media, with many fans expressing nostalgia after seeing the children of two former tennis rivals all grown up together at the All England Club.
The children of former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt and 20-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer have shared a friendship since childhood, frequently accompanying their fathers on the ATP Tour. Cruz, now 17, and Federer's 16-year-old twin daughters have become a familiar sight together once again during this year's Wimbledon.
The trio had already attracted attention at the Australian Open in January when Cruz was photographed sitting alongside Myla and Charlene Federer. Their reunion at Wimbledon, where the sisters congratulated Cruz after he secured a place in the junior final, sparked widespread reactions online.
Many longtime tennis fans admitted the images made them realize how much time had passed.
"Roger looks too young to have children of that age," one fan wrote on social media.
Another commented that they remembered the twins attending Federer's matches as toddlers wearing matching outfits, while others simply remarked how quickly the children of tennis legends had grown up.
The viral reunion also prompted fans to revisit footage from more than a decade ago showing a young Cruz rallying with Federer on Centre Court during a Sydney exhibition event.
Cruz later reflected on that moment following Sunday's final.
"That little kid would be happy," he said. "That was the kid with the dream to play at Wimbledon and make the final."
The NewDaily noted that Cruz now hopes to carry that momentum into the professional ranks after completing what is likely his final junior Wimbledon appearance.
Although he narrowly missed the title, Cruz enjoyed one of the biggest weeks of his young career before losing 6-4, 4-6, 5-7 to 16-year-old American Jordan Lee in the boys' singles final. Lee became the tournament's youngest champion after overturning a 4-2 deficit in the deciding set.
Speaking during the trophy presentation with parents Lleyton and Bec Hewitt watching courtside, Cruz said he remained proud of his performance despite the defeat.
"It's been a very special week for me. I've played some really good tennis," he said.
"I grew up around this tournament, seeing my dad play here, and it's a privilege playing on any court here. It's been a really good atmosphere all week."
The Australian teenager added that the tournament allowed more people to recognize his level of play.
"I feel like people this week maybe have seen how well I can play. Obviously, it's disappointing to lose the final, but I think it's a really good week. Definitely had some good memories at Wimbledon."
Lleyton Hewitt famously won the Wimbledon men's singles title in 2002, while Federer captured a record eight championships at the All England Club. Despite their fierce rivalry during their playing careers, the two former world No. 1 players developed a close friendship that extended to their families.
That bond has remained evident years after both men's peaks, with Cruz, Myla, and Charlene continuing the friendship their parents built on tour.
Currently ranked No. 606 in the ATP rankings, Cruz has now shifted his focus toward earning a place in the men's draw at next year's Australian Open, either through direct qualification or a wildcard entry.
"That would be the dream," he said. "That's a big goal of mine, and I feel like I can show my level."
The emotional scenes at Wimbledon, however, ensured that this year's tournament will be remembered for more than just the final score. For many tennis fans, seeing Cruz Hewitt reunited with Myla and Charlene Federer served as a reminder of how one generation of champions has gradually given way to the next.
Read: Jannik Sinner Defends Wimbledon Title, Beats Alexander Zverev in Four Sets
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