Hewitt king of Queen's

ByEurosport

Published 18/06/2006 at 14:29 GMT

Former world number one Lleyton Hewitt claimed the Queen's club trophy for a record-equalling fourth time when he beat American James Blake 6-4 6-4. Hewitt, who also won his 25th career single title, broke serve in the first game and controlled the match

"I felt like I played pretty flawless tennis for most of it," said Hewitt, who went on to win Wimbledon the last time he won at Queen's in 2002.

"I served really well and put pressure on his serve as much as possible. The way I've played the last few matches I think ball-striking wise, it's the same as when I won here the three times before."

The Australian had seized the initiative when he broke Blake in the opening game of the match, and with his own serve holding up well his opponent had little chance to claw his way back.

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In fact Hewitt dropped only one point in his opening three service games - a double-fault - as he asserted his control with his trademark ground strokes.

TENNIS - 2006 ATP Queen's - Blake 1st Rnd

Image credit: Reuters

Only in the latter half of the set did Blake appear to get comfortable with the conditions and his own powerful forehands were enough to give Hewitt cause for concern.

While his athleticism and spirit was making him a firm favourite with the crowd, Blake continued to fail to fashion any openings in the second set and had to save a break point in the third game.

And it was Blake who cracked again in the seventh game of the set when he hit a forehand long on break point to hand Hewitt the advantage at 4-3.

Blake refused to give in and went 0-30 up when Hewitt was serving for the match.

Fifth seed Blake is one of the form players of the tour but his lack of experience on grass showed against the Australian, who sealed victory on his first match point with a big first serve.

Hewitt joins John McEnroe and Boris Becker as the only men to win four singles titles at the pre-Wimbledon event. The grasscourt grand slam tournament starts on June 26.

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