Henman praise for Hewitt

Hewitt dropped just three games against Henman

Lleyton Hewitt (Aus) beat Tim Henman (GB) 6-1 6-2

Tim Henman tipped Lleyton Hewitt for a long spell at the top after the Australian ouclassed him in the final of the Pacific Life Open.

The world number one brushed aside Henman with the minimum of fuss to win the title at Indian Wells.

And Henman admitted players would have a problem in working out how to beat the charismatic Australian.

"I certainly tried to look at and evaluate his results and see who has had success against him," said Henman.

I don't see any reason why Hewitt can't be the dominant player

Tim Henman

"The attacking players, whether it's Sampras, whether it's (Pat) Rafter, whether it's myself, haven't had a great deal of success.

"But then you look at the different styles of players. (Nicolas) Lapentti has beaten him a couple of times, Magnus Norman has beaten him a few times.

"Those are the type of people who stay in the rallies, who don't do so much and when they get the opportunity can hit winners without having to come to the net and give him a target.

"He's capable of playing well on any surface, when you have such good fundamentals as he has.

"I don't think he's afraid to play on any surface. I don't see any reason why he can't be the dominant player."

I think I've taken a big step this week.... my game has got better and better

Tim Henman

Hewitt admitted he felt confident with his game.

"I give myself a chance every time I step onto the court," he said.

"I feel confident every time. I've being playing strong in the big matches the last few months.

"It gets to the big match and it doesn't worry me at all. I go out there and play with no fear."

World number one Hewitt was in awesome form, dropping just three games on his way to a straight-sets victory over his British rival.

Ninth seed Henman had little answer, holding his serve only once in the entire match, eventually going down 6-1 6-2 in 1hr 21mins.

It was Hewitt's 14th title of his career and comes hot on the heels of his win over Andre Agassi in the Siebel Open.

But despite the loss, Henman's entry system ranking will rise to six and he will be second in the new ATP Champions' Race standings.

"I think I've taken a big step this week," he said. "My game has got better and better."