32-year-old Australian Lleyton Hewitt ended a fine week at the Brisbane International by defeating old adversary Roger Federer in the final.
Hewitt prevailed 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in 2 hours and 7 minutes.
An error-strewn opening set from Federer (22 unforced errors) helped Hewitt race out to an early lead.
Federer battled back in the second and crucially broke for a 5-4 lead before sealing the second set with a powerful forehand.
The Swiss maestro had chances in the deciding set but couldn’t capitalize on 7 break point opportunities, and Hewitt held on after breaking to 3-1 to secure the championship.
“I didn’t play great today which is a bit unfortunate, but also Lleyton was the best player I played this week,” stated Federer in the post-match assessment.
The victory secured Hewitt’s 29th ATP Tour title and first since 2010. He also moves back into the Top 50.
“A lot depends on draws and how I play,” Hewitt replied when queried about his chances at the forthcoming Australian Open in Melbourne.
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Cover Photo (Creative Commons License): Marianne Bevis