World number one Roger Federer confirmed his fitness with a dazzling 6-3 6-4 late night win over Lleyton Hewitt, providing a bright finish to a miserable rainy day at the Masters Cup.
Having not played since straining his left thigh muscle preparing for his home tournament in Basel a month ago, Federer's fitness was the big question hanging over the $4.4 million season finale.
A victory over Gaston Gaudio in his opening round-robin match eased some concern, but Federer's clinical dissection of his Australian rival in 75 minutes confirmed the 23-year-old Swiss was back playing the sublime tennis that carried him to three grand slam titles in 2004.
Behind a spectacular assortment of winners, Federer extended his domination over Hewitt and has now swept all five of their meetings this season, including a three set demolition of the Australian in the final of the US Open.
