A ferocious James Blake thrashed world number one Lleyton Hewitt in sensational style on Saturday to win the Hopman Cup for the United States. The American, 27 places below Hewitt in the world rankings, obliterated the Australian's defences in just 64 minutes with searing serves and forehands to triumph 6-3 6-4 at the Burswood Dome.
Women's world number one Serena Williams had earlier set the U.S. up for victory, blasting Alicia Molik 6-2 6-3 but not even she could have expected Blake to punish Hewitt so ruthlessly. Against all the odds the stylish American produced winner after winner to grind an under-par Hewitt into the ground, his first victory against the Australian in five meetings. The U.S. pair completed a clean sweep in the mixed doubles, winning 6-3 6-2.
"I was here a few years ago and didn't really feel I belonged...I was kind of a substitute I think," Blake smiled. "Well now I am back, and I really feel I belong."
"It's the first time I've taken out a reigning number one. Lleyton maybe wasn't on his best form but I'll take it - my kids and grandkids won't know that when I tell them I beat the number one in the world."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
