Another final for Roger Federer, another title for the world No.1 Swiss star.

The top seed, Federer continued his recent domination over Lleyton Hewitt, racing past the Australian, 6-2 6-4 6-4, to successfully defend his title at the $2.1 million Pacific Life Open.

In winning his fourth title of the year and improving to a personal-best 26-1, Federer, a four-time Grand Slam champion, won his 17th consecutive final since October 2003.

Federer, who dismissed Tim Henman of Britain, 6-3 6-3, to win last year's championship, was unbeatable during the desert hard court event at the Indian Wells Tennis Center.

He swept past six pretenders without losing a set before taking out the fiery two-time Indian Wells titleholder in the best-of-five set match to earn the $455,000 winner's check.

Fatigue may have played a part in Federer's seventh consecutive victory over world No. 2 Hewitt, whom he beat six times in 2004, including title victories at the U.S. Open and the Tennis Masters Cup.

While Federer was sweeping past his opponents, including a 6-3 6-1 conquest of Argentine Guillermo Canas in Saturday's semi-finals, Hewitt survived 25 aces to outlast hard-serving No. 3 Andy Roddick of the U.S. in three tiebreakers in a semi-final that lasted 2 hours, 33 minutes.

The well-rested Federer showed a wide assortment of shots that kept the Australian scurrying around the court throughout the first two sets.

Federer went up 5-1 in the third after service breaks in the first and fourth games.

Hewitt pulled within 5-4, but Federer closed out the 1 hour, 53 minute win with his 15th ace.