Tennis: Lleyton Hewitt's son has grown up fast and is already winning titles

Lleyton Hewitt and his son Cruz during an event at the 2011 Australian Open. Photo / Getty

He was the adorable toddler with the shock of a bright blonde hair that used to delight the crowds at Melbourne Park each summer.

But Cruz Hewitt is growing up fast.

The only son of Aussie tennis legend Lleyton Hewitt won his first major national event on Sunday, taking out the national claycourt championship in Canberra

The 12-year-old was crowned the Australian claycourt champion for 2021 after winning the 12-and-under title.

He celebrated with dad Lleyton and mum Bec Hewitt with a beaming photo, posted on Instagram.

The two-time grand slam winner also showed off his son's big achievement with a photo alongside his eldest son.

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A post shared by Lleyton Hewitt (@lleytonhewitt89)

"National Claycourt Champ @cruzhewitt #TeamCruz," he wrote.

Cruz also posted on Instagram: "So proud to take home the title in the Claycourt Nationals. Had a great week in Canberra. #ClayDog".

Cruz has the last two years contested the December Showdown national championships at Melbourne Park, the Australian Open venue.

Lleyton has said previously he believes Cruz has the talent to turn pro — a milestone that's difficult to fathom given it seems like just yesterday he was barely out of nappies.