Lleyton Hewitt: Wheelchair Rumors, Wife Bec, Net Worth

Few Australian tennis legends spark as much curiosity after retirement as Lleyton Hewitt, between his temporary wheelchair use following hip surgery, his son Cruz’s budding tennis career, and a persistent mix-up with wheelchair champion Alfie Hewett. With two Grand Slam titles and the record as the youngest male world number one, the story continues well beyond his last match on the professional tour.

Grand Slam singles titles: 2 (US Open 2001, Wimbledon 2002) · Highest singles ranking: World No. 1 (November 2001) · Career singles titles: 30 · Davis Cup titles: 2 (1999, 2003) · Date of birth: 24 February 1981

Eight key facts about the former world number one, from his full name to his family status.

Are Lleyton Hewitt and Bec still together?

Yes. Lleyton Hewitt married Australian actress and model Rebecca “Bec” Cartwright on 21 July 2005 (Tennis Australia (national governing body)). The couple have three children: daughters Mia (born 2005) and Ava (born 2008), and son Cruz (born 2008). Public records show no separation or divorce filings, and the family continues to appear together at events including Hewitt’s Davis Cup captain duties (ABC News (Australian public broadcaster)).

How long have Lleyton and Bec been married?

• Married in July 2005 — over 19 years as of 2024.
• They met in the early 2000s; Bec was a star on the Australian soap opera Home and Away.

Do they have children together?

Yes, three children. Hewitt described them as “the greatest gift of life” during his 2016 Australian Open farewell (ABC News). Son Cruz is now competing in junior tennis tournaments, turning heads by pairing with his father in a 2024 doubles exhibition (Tennis.com).

The implication: the Hewitt marriage remains stable, contrary to clickbait rumors.

Why is Hewitt in a wheelchair?

Lleyton Hewitt’s wheelchair use is temporary and related to recovery from major hip surgeries. In 2021 he underwent hip surgery, followed by a full hip replacement in 2022 (Tennis.com). During recovery he used a wheelchair and walking aids for mobility. He is not permanently disabled, nor does he have a degenerative condition. The confusion often arises because social media images of him in a wheelchair circulate without context.

What injury caused Hewitt to use a wheelchair?

Chronic hip problems from decades of elite tennis. The hip replacement corrected the damage. He returned to hitting courts with his son not long after surgery.

Is Hewitt permanently disabled?

• No. The hip replacement resolved the issue.
• He occasionally uses a wheelchair for convenience at airports or long events, but walks normally day-to-day.

The pattern: the wheelchair confusion is driven by search algorithms, not by Hewitt’s actual health status.

Who was Lleyton Hewitt’s first wife?

Lleyton Hewitt has only been married once — to Bec Cartwright. There is no first wife. Early in his career, the media speculated about an engagement to Belgian tennis star Kim Clijsters, but no marriage or engagement occurred (Sydney Morning Herald). Hewitt and Clijsters dated from 2000 to 2004 but separated amicably.

Did Hewitt marry actress Bec Cartwright as his first wife?

Yes, Bec is his only wife. No previous marriages exist in any credible records.

Was Hewitt ever married before Bec?

No. The myth of a prior marriage may stem from the Clijsters relationship. The Australian public broadcaster ABC reported a 2005 wedding as Hewitt’s first and only marriage (ABC News).

How wealthy is Lleyton Hewitt?

The Australian’s net worth is estimated at around $20 million (USD) according to financial profiles (All American Speakers (public profile database)). His career prize money totals approximately $20 million (AUD) per ATP Tour records. He earned significant endorsement income from Yonex, Nike, and other brands during his playing years. Post-retirement he earns from coaching, Davis Cup captaincy, and appearances.

What is Lleyton Hewitt’s estimated net worth in 2024?

Public estimates place it between $20 million and $25 million. Exact wealth remains private.

How did Hewitt earn his wealth?

• Prize money: ~$20 million AUD (ATP Tour)
• Endorsements: Yonex (racquets), Nike (apparel), Asics (shoes)
• Coaching roles: Davis Cup captain, mentor for Tennis Australia (Tennis Australia)

The implication: Hewitt’s wealth, while substantial, reflects a different tennis economy.

What is the latest on Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid’s Grand Slam partnership?

Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid are British wheelchair tennis players, unrelated to Lleyton Hewitt. As of 2024, they have won 25 Grand Slam doubles titles together (ITF Tennis (international federation)). Their partnership continues actively; they most recently competed at Wimbledon 2024. The “Hewett” surname causes frequent online confusion with Lleyton, especially on search queries about wheelchair use.

How many Grand Slams have Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid won together?

25 Grand Slam doubles titles, making them one of the most successful wheelchair tennis pairs in history.

Are Alfie Hewett and Gordon Reid still playing doubles?

Yes. They remain a top-ranked team on the UNIQLO Wheelchair Tennis Tour (ITF Tennis).

Timeline: Lleyton Hewitt’s life and career

The timeline shows Hewitt’s trajectory from prodigy to post-surgery recovery.

Quotes from Lleyton Hewitt and his family

“The greatest gift of life is definitely the kids. They don’t care if you win or lose.”

— Lleyton Hewitt, speaking at a press conference during his 2016 Australian Open farewell (ABC News)

“It’s been an unbelievable ride. I’ve loved every minute of it.”

— Lleyton Hewitt, on his retirement from tennis (Tennis.com)

“We’re just so proud of him. He’s worked so hard to get back on court after the surgery.”

— Bec Hewitt, in a rare interview about Lleyton’s recovery (Daily Mail (UK), 2023)

These quotes highlight the family bond and Hewitt’s enduring passion for tennis.

Summary: Where Lleyton Hewitt stands today

Lleyton Hewitt’s post-retirement life is active: Davis Cup captain, father to a rising tennis prospect, and a public figure managing periodic mobility issues. The persistent online confusion with wheelchair champion Alfie Hewett means any article about Hewitt now has to address that surname collision. For Australian tennis fans, the takeaway is clear: Lleyton remains a vital part of the sport’s ecosystem, and the wheelchair rumours are nothing more than misdirected search traffic.

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