Net Worth Ranker
What Is Lleyton Hewitt’s Net Worth
Lleyton Hewitt, the celebrated Australian professional tennis player, has amassed a significant net worth estimated at $25 million. This financial achievement is primarily attributed to his successful tennis career, encompassing tournament winnings, endorsement deals, and strategic investments.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on February 24, 1981, in Adelaide, Australia, Lleyton Hewitt’s path to professional tennis stardom began at a young age. His father, Glynn Hewitt, a former Australian Rules Football player, and his mother, Cherilyn Hewitt, a physical education teacher, provided a supportive environment for his athletic development. Lleyton played Australian Football until the age of 13, when he decided to pursue tennis full-time. He honed his skills at the Seaside Tennis Club in Henley Beach and the Denman Tennis Club in Mitcham, under the tutelage of coach Peter Smith.
Hewitt’s professional career officially commenced in 1998. His breakthrough moment arrived when he won the 1998 Next Generation Adelaide International, where he remarkably defeated Andre Agassi. This early success foreshadowed the illustrious career that lay ahead.
Key Career Milestones and Earnings
Hewitt’s career is marked by numerous milestones, each contributing to his overall net worth. In 2000, at the age of 19, he became the youngest male player to ever win a Grand Slam doubles title. His remarkable achievement at the U.S. Open in 2001 saw him securing his first Grand Slam singles title, overcoming formidable opponents such as Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Pete Sampras.
The year 2001 proved to be exceptionally fruitful for Hewitt. In November, he achieved the World No. 1 ranking in singles, becoming the youngest male in the ATP era to reach this pinnacle at just 20 years old. He further solidified his dominance by winning back-to-back Tennis Masters Cup titles in 2001 and 2002. His triumphs in India, Wells London, and San Jose, coupled with his Tennis Master’s Cup victory, cemented his position as the world’s leading player.
Despite an unexpected first-round defeat at Wimbledon in 2003 against Ivo Karlovic, Hewitt continued to demonstrate his prowess on the court. He played a pivotal role in Australia’s Davis Cup victories in 1999 and 2003. Furthermore, in 2005, he reached the final of the Australian Open, narrowly losing to Marat Safin. Between 1997 and 2016, Hewitt participated in twenty consecutive Australian Open men’s singles tournaments. By 2009, he had reclaimed his place among the top 20 players worldwide. Despite being offered a wild card to participate in the 2011 U.S. Open, Hewitt was forced to decline due to foot surgery.
In 2012, Hewitt returned to the ATP Finals and participated in the Australian Open. He also competed at Wimbledon, the French Open, and the Summer Olympics in London during the same year. Hewitt achieved five top-ten wins in 2013 and secured his 600th career win and his 30th career title in 2014, resulting in his triumphant return to the top 40 players in the world.
Hewitt announced his retirement following the 2016 Australian Open. However, he briefly emerged from retirement to substitute for the injured Nick Kyrgios in the Davis Cup. He also partnered with Sam Groth at the 2018 Australian Open. In 2020, Hewitt made a return to his hometown of Adelaide, where he participated in tour tennis for the first time in over a decade. Currently, he serves as a commentator for matches at the Australian Open.
Throughout his career, Hewitt represented Australia in five World Cups and three Olympic Games, beginning with Sydney in 2000 at the age of 19. He chose not to compete in the 2004 Athens Games to concentrate on the U.S. Open that year. He participated in his second Olympics in Beijing and his third in London in 2012.
Endorsements and Sponsorships
Hewitt’s financial success extends beyond tournament winnings, with substantial income derived from endorsement deals and sponsorships. In July 2000, he secured a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike, one of the world’s leading athletic apparel brands. This partnership provided Hewitt with significant financial benefits and exposure. He also maintained long-term sponsorships with Athletic DNA, an American athletic apparel company, and Yonex, a renowned sports equipment manufacturer. These endorsements have played a significant role in augmenting Hewitt’s net worth.
Personal Life and Investments
Hewitt’s personal life has also intersected with his professional career, influencing his financial decisions and investments. He is an avid supporter of Australian rules football and holds the No. 1 ticket for the Adelaide Crows. In January 2000, Hewitt began a relationship with Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters after meeting at the Australian Open. They announced their engagement in December 2003 but separated in 2004, subsequently calling off their wedding planned for February 2005.
Following his separation from Clijsters, Hewitt proposed to Australian actress Bec Cartwright after a brief six-week courtship. They married in July 2005 at the Sydney Opera House and have three children together. In April 2021, his son, Cruz Hewitt, won the Australian junior tennis clay-court title in Canberra. In 2008, Hewitt and his family relocated to their home in Nassau, Bahamas, to reduce their tax burden. Hewitt’s nickname, “Rusty,” was given to him by his tennis coach Darren Cahill. Another nickname from fans includes “Rocky.”
