The daughters of two of Australia's most celebrated tennis champions are gracefully carving their own paths in the creative industries, emerging from the long shadows cast by their famous fathers. India Rafter, 20, and Mia Hewitt, also 20, are the new faces of Reebok's 'Born Classic, Worn For Life' campaign, showcasing the brand's iconic Club C sneakers.
Stepping Out of the Sporting Shadow
Born after the peak of their fathers' legendary careers, the young women have grown up with a unique legacy. India, the daughter of former world number one Pat Rafter, and Mia, daughter of Wimbledon champion Lleyton Hewitt, are now making their distinct marks. India is signed to the prestigious modelling agency Priscilla's while concurrently pursuing a university degree in design. Mia is establishing herself in the intersecting worlds of indie music and fashion.
Despite their high-profile parentage, India recalls a relatively normal upbringing. "We weren't really surrounded by people in the public eye. Dad is not the type of person to try and attract attention," she told The Daily Telegraph. She noted the occasional reminders of his fame: "We would have these funny interactions on the street where someone would come up and be like, 'Oh, I love your dad. Can I get a photo?'"
Forging Individual Creative Paths
For India, modelling is a passion inspired by her mother, former model Lara Feltham. "Modelling has just always been something that I've wanted to do since I was young watching and getting to see mum's old photos. She's got so many tips and tricks," India explained. She added that her mother provides support but prefers her to navigate the industry independently.
Mia, conversely, has been in the public eye since her birth in 2005 as the daughter of Lleyton Hewitt and former Home and Away star Bec Hewitt. Her mother left the popular soap opera when she became pregnant with Mia. Now, Mia is embracing her own spotlight, building a name as a musician and style influencer, distinct from her parents' achievements in tennis and acting.
A Reunion for the Campaign
The Reebok campaign has served as a reunion for the two Sydney-based women, who knew each other as children but had not seen one another since they were seven years old. Now, they front the campaign together, displaying a shared confidence and personal style that honours their heritage while being unequivocally their own.
The campaign underscores how talent and determination run in these families, albeit expressed in different arenas. While Pat Rafter, 53, has adopted a lower public profile in recent years, and Lleyton Hewitt remains a towering figure in Australian sport, their daughters are writing the next chapters, proving their star power extends far beyond the tennis court.
