Hewitt aims to end drought

The Australian number eight seed is currently in the midst of the longest title drought of his career. He has not won an ATP event since January 2005, when he won on home turf in Sydney, but has shown himself to back to form this week, ending the hopes of both Rafael Nadal, who eventually retired injured, and home favourite Tim Henman.

In his way stands Blake, who knocked-out defending champion Andy Roddick in straight sets in the other semi-final, denying him a shot at a record fourth consecutive title.

The American - ranked seventh in the world - trails Hewitt 6-1 in matches between the two, though crucially won the last meeting in three sets in the final at Las Vegas in February.

Blake has been in the form of his life this year, winning as mentioned above in Las Vegas, as well as Sydney, and he reached the final of Indian Wells, where he was beaten by the formidable Roger Federer.

Both men encapture a never-say-die spirit, and the final should be one to savour. Punishing rallies from the back of the court are on the agenda, with neither likely to give an inch.

The form-book points to a Blake victory, but Hewitt's three victories here in the past mean neither will start a clear favourite.