World number one Lleyton Hewitt completed a hat-trick of titles in the Stella Artois Championships with a 4-6 6-1 6-4 win over Tim Henman.

The brilliant 21-year-old dropped his first set of the week, but over-powered Henman to gain his fifth win in as many matches against the British number one and hammer out a warning to his rivals for Wimbledon.

It was Henman's third final defeat in four years on his favourite grass courts in West Kensington - but he had the consolation of becoming the first player this week to take a set off the US Open champion.

Henman described the Adelaide player as "phenomenal" - but remains pleased with his own build-up to Wimbledon, where he aims to go one better than his semi-final appearance 12 months ago.

"It came down to a couple of points," he said. "I've learned from playing him in the past.

"I have got the tactical game to beat him, I've got to executive it a bit better.

"I'm definitely pleased with the way I'm playing. Any time you are winning matches has got to be good.

"It doesn't hide the disappointment I feel now, but my game is in good shape.

"The ideal way to go into Wimbledon would be by winning but, having said that, I've played five good matches this week."

In securing a 15th straight win, Hewitt become the first player to successfully defend the Stella title twice since John McEnroe performed the feat in 1981.

McEnroe went on to reach four consecutive Wimbledon finals, winning the title three times, and on this form the prodigiously-talented Hewitt has every chance of emulating him.

"It's incredible to win three in a row," he said. "I've seen all the pictures on the wall of the previous winners and it's a great honour to be up there with them.

"It's a long way from Adelaide but I just about feel at home. I've found my footing so quickly on grass and I've got better and better this week.

"I've beaten a better opponent in every round and to play one of the best grass-courters in the world is a great feeling and great preparation for Wimbledon."

The shaven-headed Hewitt, whose number one haircut matches his probable Wimbledon seeding when they are announced tomorrow, has rarely looked troubled this week, although it took him some time to settle today.

Henman - who had admitted beforehand his opponent is "better than me" - had only ever taken one set off the Australian in his four previous meetings.

But the British number one broke him to love in the very first game.

And, although Henman promptly dropped his own serve, he achieved a second breakthrough in the seventh game after Hewitt put a forehand volley into the net to end a thrilling 25-stroke rally.

Henman, who took a fairly tortuous route to the final, enjoyed the best of the rallies and won the big points on his own serve when it mattered to take the first set 6-4 in 53 minutes.

It did not take Hewitt long to bounce back, however, as he broke Henman in the second game of the second set after the Briton put a routine forehand into the net.

Henman then received his second warning in two days for apparently swearing at a line-judge and his game gradually petered out as Hewitt found his rhythm.

Hewitt, with his return in full bloom, broke his opponent for a second time to go 4-0 up and, although Henman held his next service game, the Australian served out to take the second set 6-1.

The third set was more evenly contested, but Hewitt carved out the first break points in the seventh game with a brilliant passing shot from the back of the court.

It proved to be the only break of the third set, which Hewitt wrapped after two hours and 12 minutes.

"He's a phenomenal competitor," added Henman.

"When you break down his game, he doesn't have an outstanding shot.

"But he has lots and lots of very good ones and, with his aggression and determination, it's a great combination."