Lleyton Hewitt celebrates after winning the second set 7-5 against Fernando Gonzalez. (Greg Ruffing photo) | ZOOM |

        MASON — Lleyton Hewitt's serve typically is not his most dangerous weapon. But it sure helped him Saturday.

        The world's top-ranked player and the No.1 seed this week survived a grueling first two sets and defeated unseeded Fernando Gonzalez 6-7 (3), 7-5, 6-2, with the help of 20 service aces.

        “I actually didn't feel like I served that great,” Hewitt said. “He was guessing a lot of times (on the serves). He probably made it look a little better than it was.”

        The only time Gonzalez broke Hewitt's serve was in the third game of the match.

        Hewitt faces 16th seed Carlos Moya in today's 4p.m. championship match of the Western & Southern Financial Group Masters. It is the first final here for both.

        Gonzalez often outslugged Hewitt in baseline rallies — as he did Friday night against Andy Roddick. But he also committed 50 unforced errors; Hewitt had 22.

        “He hits the ball as hard as he can every time,” Hewitt said. “He gives you absolutely no rhythm. He's a strange guy to play. I'm still struggling to work out how he plays.”

        Gonzalez, ranked 39th in the world, had perhaps the best week of his career, beating fourth-seeded Tim Henman, Richard Krajicek and 12th seed Roddick. The 22-year-old from Chile was ranked 135th at the end of 2001; he came into this tournament 26th in the year-long ATP Champions Race.

        The crowd seemed to support Gonzalez, and he left the court to a standing ovation.

        “Lleyton has a lot of experience,” Gonzalez said. “He's a great fighter. He showed why he's No.1. All the big points he played good. I was trying to attack. Lleyton always gets to two or three more balls than other players do. It makes you tired sometimes.”

        Hewitt may have saved the match in the fourth game of the second set.

        Gonzalez led 2-1 and had five break points. Hewitt finally held serve when Gonzalez hit a shot into the net.

        Both players held serve and it was 5-5 with Gonzalez serving. Hewitt survived a game point, got the advantage, then won when Gonzalez tried a backhand drop shot that went into the net. During the changeover, Hewitt showed as much emotion as he had all night. He would close out the set with a 94 mph second-serve ace.

        “At 5-all, I did a few mistakes, but that's normal for me because my style is try to hit winner,” Gonzalez said. “Sometimes I hit everywhere.”

        After the second set, ATP Tour trainer Doug Spreen, a Cincinnati native, came out to treat Hewitt's back. Hewitt said he has been experiencing stiffness the past week and a half and he felt a “twinge” Saturday night.

        But the 21-year Australian showed no signs of injury in the third set. He broke Gonzalez's serve in the first game, then got another break on a double fault in the seventh game. Leading 5-2, Hewitt served out the victory.

        “There was always a chance I could lose,” Hewitt said. “But it never entered my mind.”

Sports Stories

DAUGHERTY: Hewitt's spirit wins the match For once, serve saves Hewitt Present, past No.1s in final Winning at mind game puts Spaniard Moya on a roll American duo makes history in doubles Five questions with Patrick McEnroe Moya, Ferrero put aside their friendship on the court Davenport reaches first final of year One for the history books Rudd looks to tie Gordon for road course wins Stewart almost too competitive Faltering Woods still leads by 1 Last chance to make a major impression Miami No. 1 in AP preseason poll Wildcats know 'bottom line' Young says following McMahon prepared him for Montana Enquirer's Page Two power rankings The Tae kwon do Kid

Reds 9, Padres 0
Reds box, runs
Reds Q&A
Cinergy countdown - Sept. 17, 1983
Pain still afflicting Pineda
Astros 8, Braves 5
Cardinals 5, Mets 4
Notes from Saturday's games
John Fay's MLB power ratings
Lieberthal hits three homers against Dodgers
Little progress in labor talks
Williams' son ends his baseball experiment
Columbus 5, Louisville 2
Quarterback derby heats up for Bengals
Bengals Q&A
Contract on table would lock up LB for 5 years
Saturday's NFL Preseason Games
Miami-UC meeting first since 1997 game
3 GGCL volleyball teams in Top 25
Prep girls golf preview