Ugly claims about Lleyton Hewitt's kids Cruz and Mia that show brutal reality for emerging stars

With Lleyton Hewitt's kids Cruz and Mia both landing themselves at the centre of ugly controversy this week, a leading sports psychologist has told Yahoo Sport Australia of the pitfalls of young stars trying to emulate their famous parents. Cruz and Mia Hewitt have both been handed opportunities in recent times that have led to claims of 'nepotism' from pundits and 'armchair experts'.

Cruz received a wildcard for the Australian Open qualifying tournament this week, which will see him given the chance to try and advance to the main draw of the Melbourne Park grand slam at the age of 16. And 19-year-old Mia recently landed a job on Channel 7 program 'Home and Away', following in the footsteps of mother Bec who famously starred in the soap from 1998 to 2005.

Mia's job isn't even in front of the cameras, and she's instead been working as a wardrobe assistant. But it's still sparked claims of 'nepotism' that she only landed the gig because of her famous surname.

And it's been the same for Cruz, with many on social media claiming he isn't worthy of a wildcard for Australian Open qualifying. Cruz is currently World No.107 in the junior ranks and was knocked out in the first round of the junior boys tournament at the Australian Open last January.

Cruz is expected to feature in the junior tournament again in 2025 but will look to step up his transition to senior tennis by attempting to qualify for the main draw. It comes 28 years after father Lleyton debuted at Melbourne Park as a 15-year-old.

Cruz and Mia Hewitt both cop ugly claims of 'nepotism'

Cruz's ranking isn't an accurate reflection of his standing in the junior game, and he's actually in the top 15 for players of his age. But the news of his wildcard into the qualifying tournament sparked some ugly reactions on social media this week. Many pointed to the fact he's ranked 1264th overall - the lowest-ranked wildcard recipient for the qualifiers.

One person wrote on social media: “Sorry, but not deserved. Look at his ranking. He hasn’t made an impact. His tennis career isn’t happening. The WC should go to someone DESERVING." Others labelled it "nepotism at its finest" and an "absolute joke".

Sports psychologist's message to kids of famous parents

And speaking to Yahoo Sport Australia, leading sports psychologist Alan Mantle highlighted the treacherous path young stars tread when they have a famous surname. "Don’t let other people's expectations define you. They're external factors you have no control over," he said.

"The name and people's comparisons to your famous mother or father is not going to go away – it’s how you choose to handle it. Use your father or mother's ability and talent to help model you as an individual but don’t copy. It's about finding what works best for you as an individual and doing something you love, rather than doing something others would love you to do."

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Speaking at the Newcombe Medal earlier this month, Cruz said he's trying to forge his own path and won't be relying on his former World No.1 father. "It is what it is, but I don't really mind," he said. "It just drives me to be better."

Lleyton noted of the inevitable comparisons, saying: "Oh, they've already been there - ever since he picked up a racquet. He's just got to enjoy it as much as possible and make it fun. He's been doing great so far."