Hewitt looks set to take over from Sampras

Hewitt possesses the sort of mental strength that only the great players have.

He has shown in crucial Davis Cup matches since making his debut as an 18-year-old that he is not one for backing down when the going gets tough.

He was made a hate figure by the Flushing Meadows crowd after he made disparaging remarks about James Blake at the US Open last September.

It only served to stoke his fires as he bulldozed his way past Sampras to his first Grand Slam.

"I like playing in big occasions, the big matches," he said after demolishing Tim Henman in the semi-final in front of a sell-out Centre Court crowd.

Hewitt's toughness is hardly surprising.

His dad is a former Aussie Rules player and Hewitt played the bruising game at a high level until he was 13.

Despite his slight frame, Hewitt is an intimidating character on court.

The screaming, the clenched fist and the beating of the chest after winning crucial points have become his trademarks.

'Little mongrel'

Now that he has replaced the ponytail with the crew cut he even looks the part.

And the fiery Hewitt is never afraid to let an umpire know his feelings.

While he may go on to dominate like Sampras, his style will be more reminiscent of McEnroe.

His compatriot Pat Rafter labelled him "a little mongrel" for his refusal to be beaten.

Hewitt's athleticism around the court is unmatched, which is also unsurprising as his mother was a professional netball player.

BBC pundit John Lloyd believes that only a big server like fellow Australian Mark Philippoussis would stand a chance against him in the sort of form he has shown at the All England Club.

Henman, who is widely regarded as the best volleyer in the world, was reduced to chipping the ball back from the baseline, such was Hewitt's ability to pass.

"If you serve and volley against Hewitt, unless you ace him it's probably a negative because you're playing to his biggest strength - his return of serve and passing shots," said Henman.