Marat Safin staged a terrific fightback to win the Australian Open title and end Lleyton Hewitt's dream of a home victory.

Hewitt looked in control after taking the first set and also when he led by a break of serve in the third, but the Russian refused to give in and turned things around to record a 1-6 6-3 6-4 6-4 victory.

Hewitt, looking to beocme the first Australian winner of the men's singles since 1976, made a flying start to the match, scampering along the baseline to dominate a nervous-looking Safin in their rallies.

He stormed through the first set in 23 minutes but Safin steeled himself and began to cut out the unforced errors which had plagued him early on.

Safin, twice a runner-up in this event, produced a string of winners in the fourth game of the second set to earn his first break of serve in the match.

After being outplayed for a set and a bit, Safin - who beat world number one Roger Federer in the semi-finals - was now the more consistent player off the ground and also looked good whenever he ventured to the net.

His famous booming serve was also improving with every game and he served out the set to deservedly level the match.

The pendulum appeared to have swung back in the pre-match favourite's favour but it turned Hewitt's way again when the third seed secured an early break in the second game of the third set - arguably the best of the match.

Both men battled away in the long rallies but Hewitt, angered by an overrule from the umpire at one stage, came up with some superb shots to gain the first break of the set.

That proved too much for Safin whose fiery temper showed itself for the first time and he slammed his racket into the ground. The Russian repeated his actions to earn a code violation from the umpire when Hewitt held for 3-0 to assume control.

A tired-looking Safin then called for the trainer for work on his thighs.

It was to prove a turning point.

Admirably Safin managed to refocus and with Hewitt serving at 4-2, a series of winners allowed Safin to break back.

That sparked a major turnaround as Safin reeled off seven games in a row to take the third set and gain an early break in the fourth.

Hewitt was left with a mountain to climb and, for once, the renowned fighter was not up to the task.

Safin's first serve was now finding its target more than 70 per cent of the time - as opposed to less than 50 in the first two sets - and Hewitt was unable to make inroads on it.

Safin kept his composure and clinched the title - his first at Grand Slam level since the 2000 US Open - when Hewitt sent a forehand wide.