Henman beats nemesis Hewitt at ninth attempt

MIAMI, Mar 25 (Reuters) Tim Henman ended a painful eight-match losing streak against Lleyton Hewitt with a 7-6 6-3 second-round victory at the Nasdaq-100 Open today.

Success over the Australian 13th seed was sweet for the Briton, who finally beat his nemesis for the first time in a rivalry which began on US hardcourts in 2000.

With the former world number one struggling to find his touch, the defeat dropped Hewitt to 13-7 for the season.

The 31-year-old Henman has been working hard to overcome a chronic back injury and showed fighting form in the one hour 45 minute victory.

Henman, ranked 56th, fought through in an opening set.

Hewitt saved five set points before Henman floated a backhand winner down the line.

Henman seized control in the second, running away with a 4-1 lead before clinching victory with an easy volley winner.

Since losing to American James Blake in the Las Vegas final earlier this month, Hewitt has won only one match.

Henman chalked up back-to-back victories over former world number ones after defeating Marat Safin in the first round.

Reuters SHR VP0005