Hewitt (left) with Melzer after his victory

The Australian saved four set points in the second set before claiming his 26th ATP title with a 6-4 7-6 (12-10) win.

"It is a big win," said Hewitt. "I've been so used to it in the past, winning tournaments early in the year.

"To win another title earlier in the year just gives you that much more confidence for the rest of the year."

Hewitt, who missed the previous two weeks with a hamstring injury, won his last title at Queen's Club in June and expects to be back in the world's top 10 soon.

"I am not putting a date on it," he said. "I'll just see how things pan out.

"This week's been great and I haven't got too many points to defend between now and the French Open and Queen's, so this is a time when you have to step it up.

"Apart from these next two hardcourt tournaments I am really looking forward to the claycourt tournaments this year.

"I feel like my last few claycourt matches have been good against tough players."

Against Melzer, a break of serve in the 10th game gave Hewitt the first set when the Austrian missed a simple smash.

Melzer broke Hewitt in the second game of the second set and held that lead until a string of errors let Hewitt back in at 4-2.

Hewitt saved a set point at 5-6 with a solid smash, and in the tie-break he recovered from 6-4 down to win it 12-10 on his fourth match point when Melzer put a forehand into the net.