Players reading up to learn how to beat Hewitt

As part of his preparations for Sunday's Indian Wells Masters final against Lleyton Hewitt, a studious Tim Henman hit the books carefully researching the world number one's record for any sign of weakness he could exploit.

The 11th-ranked Briton obviously didn't find anything useful, hammered 6-1 6-2 by Hewitt in just 81 minutes.

Of course Henman, beaten four times in as many meetings by the 21-year-old Australian, is not the only player studying up on the feisty Hewitt, who is threatening to dominate the men's tour the same way Pete Sampras did in the 1990s and Jimmy Connors, to whom he is sometimes compared, did in the 1970s.

"Dominating is a big word," said Hewitt. "I wouldn't say I was dominating.

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

Henman said his research did indeed reveal ways to beat Hewitt but, like many others this season, discovered that putting theory into practice are two different matters.

Tenth seed Pete Sampras had no answer and neither did Thomas Enqvist, who was enjoying a good tournament, defeating Australian Open champion Thomas Johansson and 12th seed Roger Federer before running into Hewitt.

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

DOMINANT PLAYER

"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."

Since returning to action after a bout of chickenpox sent him reeling at the Australian Open in January, Hewitt is unbeaten, winning back-to-back titles in San Jose and Indian Wells.

His victory over Henman was his 18th straight on American soil, a run of success stretching back to his victory at last year's U.S. Open.

"It's pretty clear from the players point of view that he's setting the benchmark right now," said Henman. "He's setting the standard in a number of areas, whether it's returning or whether it's foot speed around the court. I'm certainly impressed.

"I think it's difficult not to be impressed by his results, his performance, because they totally speak for themselves.

"You know the scary thing is he will probably make improvements as well."

In the last 14 months the men's number one world ranking has changed hands five times and the debate over who is the best player has raged beyond computer points.

But the general feeling now is that the title of world's best player may rest with the young Australian for some time.

Talk of an unbeaten season began to surface at Indian Wells, a suggestion that Hewitt quickly dismissed. But he also made it clear he expects to win his share over the next 10 months.

"The rest of the year...I hope I can stay unbeaten through Miami," laughed Hewitt, looking ahead to next week's Masters Series event in Key Biscayne.

"I've got to play on clay, then I've got to play on grass. Sooner or later you're going to have a slip up. That's why Sampras and (Andre) Agassi never did it.

"I still feel I'm playing the same. I've just got a little bit more confidence.

"I think I've worked on areas of my game which have come out at the big times, under pressure situations. I give myself a chance every time I step on court."