Federer demolishes Hewitt
(Agencies)
Updated: 2005-03-21 08:54
World number one Roger Federer has produced another dominant display to crush number two Lleyton Hewitt 6-2 6-4 6-4 in the final of the Pacific Life Open.
Lleyton Hewitt, from Australia, reacts after missing a shot against Roger Federer, from Switzerland, during the finals of Pacific Life Open Sunday, March 20, 2005, in Indian Wells, Calif. Federer won, 6-2, 6-4, 6-4. [AP] |
In a coolly efficient and often spectacular dismantling of the Australian, Federer never allowed Hewitt into the contest, controlling his opponent from both the backcourt and at the net.
"My game has a lot to do with footwork," Federer said on Sunday. "When I'm moving well, I play well. This week I've played and felt fantastic."
In attempting to upset the number one, the usually steady Hewitt took risks but the strategy backfired.
He registered 31 unforced errors, the same as Federer, but the Swiss nailed 41 winners to only 18 from the Australian.
Federer did not drop a set during the tournament and leaves the event with a 26-1 match record in 2005. It was his 17th straight win in a final, a tour record.
The 23-year-old Swiss has won four titles this year and has now beaten Hewitt seven consecutive times, dropping only two of 20 sets.
On Saturday, Belgian former number one Kim Clijsters defeated Lindsay Davenport of the U.S. for the women's crown.
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