The win earned the Australian sixth seed an early birthday present of 161,800 euros ($204,800), as he turns 23 on Tuesday, and a double celebration with his Belgian fiancee Kim Clijsters, who had triumphed at the Antwerp Diamond Games just 40 minutes earlier.

By lifting his 21st singles title, Hewitt also booked his passage back into the world's top 10 when the new ATP rankings are released on Monday.

"I don't think my ranking (of 17) at the end of last year was a true reflection of my game as it obviously dropped because I didn't play a lot of tennis," said Hewitt.

"But I would hope I was a lot better a player in the world than 14 or 15...and I hope a win like this proves that.

"This is my first trip here and it's an incredible feeling to win here on my first attempt," added the Adelaide baseliner.

Ferrero had been on a quest to avenge his defeat by Hewitt in the Davis Cup final in November but, from the outset, he faced an uphill task.

The Spaniard appeared to have little left in his reserves after playing 124 games -- 43 more than Hewitt -- to reach the final.

EXHAUSTION SIGNS

He had won his last three matches in third-set tiebreaks and the signs of exhaustion were clear from the start.

The steely determination Ferrero had shown in his previous matches seemed to have evaporated into the grey clouds of the Dutch port city when he tamely surrendered his serve in the opening game of the contest.

Ferrero, however, initially refused to be fazed as he knew he had the goods to last the distance.

Hewitt prowled the baseline and belted down the winners to take a 2-0 lead only to see Ferrero level the score a couple of games later.

With the players unable to break the deadlock, the set headed into a tiebreak.

The Ferrero juggernaut simply overran Hewitt in the decider, the Australian not even registering on the scoreboard until the sixth point.

A volleyed winner and an 185-kph ace combined with numerous unforced errors by Hewitt presented Ferrero with five set points.

The Spaniard needed only one and sealed it with a breathtaking passing shot that left even Hewitt applauding.

REAL TEST

The seventh game of the second set became a real test of nerves when Hewitt was stretched to seven deuces.

Ferrero let two break points go begging before an immensely relieved and fist-pumping Hewitt held on after the Spaniard floated a backhand wide.

That proved to be the turning point as Hewitt kept Ferrero at bay and levelled matters after one hour 53 minutes with a break in the 12th game.

"It was a huge game because I had to grind really hard to get out of those two break points," said Hewitt.

"It was a little bit of a momentum swing. Throughout the match, there is a psychological game going on between two players and for me to get out of danger in that long game was a relief."

Hewitt kept hunting for an opening to finish the contest in the third set and found it in the 10th game.

Ferrero finally bowed out after two hours and 39 minutes, handing Hewitt the trophy with a backhand error.

Hewitt greeted the moment by falling flat on his back, satisfied with the thought that his name will join the impressive list of winners that adorns the hoardings at the Ahoy arena.