Moya upsets Hewitt in Cincinnati Masters

MASON, Ohio -- Carlos Moya is back.

Showing the form that once had him ranked No. 1 in the world, Moya upset Lleyton Hewitt, the current No. 1, 7-5, 7-6 (5) Sunday in the final of the $2.95 million Cincinnati Masters Series.

"I knew my hardcourt game was not bad, but I didn't expect to win this tournament," Moya said. "It is a big surprise for me."

He called it "a dream come true."

Moya, the French Open champion in 1998, was ranked No. 1 in the world briefly in 1999, then injured his back. The journey while he recovered made him reflect on his career.

"When you have bad moments, you have to think that the good ones are going to come soon," Moya said. "The most important thing is to be healthy."

He worked his way up the rankings to No. 41 in 2000 and to No. 19 last year. He was No. 13 in ATP points going into this tournament, and jumped to No. 5 by beating Hewitt.

"Being in the top 10 is something I've been waiting for since I was injured," Moya said. "It wasn't a good year so far. But after this week, it is excellent."

Although he won titles at Acapulco, Bastad and Umag this year, his best previous finish in a major tournament was as the runner-up to Juan Carlos Ferrero at Monte Carlo in April.

Moya, who won $392,000, did not lose a set in six matches this week, and beat Hewitt in the final with powerful forehand strokes that even the indefatigable Australian could not reach.

The sky darkened and the lights came on early in the match. After one break apiece and the first set tied 4-4, play was suspended for 2 hours, 18 minutes because of rain.

When they resumed, Moya held serve twice, then broke Hewitt in the 12th game to take the set.

Hewitt had Moya down 5-2 in the second set, but could not put him away. Hewitt failed to hold serve twice, sending the set to a tiebreaker.

But at 5-5 in the tiebreaker, Hewitt double-faulted, then hit Moya's serve beyond the baseline on match point.

"I didn't make too many first serves, but I didn't hit the ball all that bad," Hewitt said.

Moya was simply too strong, too consistent and too crafty, he said.

"He's been there before and he knows how to play the big points well," Hewitt said. "He's a former No. 1 -- that's not a bad loss."