LONDON, Dec 3: World number ones Lleyton Hewitt and Serena Williams were named 2002 ITF world champions on Tuesday.

Australia’s Hewitt earned the accolade for the second year running, while American Williams was honoured for the first time.

Both players enjoyed outstanding seasons, with the 21-year-old Hewitt winning the men’s singles at Wimbledon for the first time and Williams dominating the women’s tour by taking three of the four grand slam titles.

Adelaide-born Hewitt, who won five titles in 2002, capped his year with a flourish by securing the season-ending world number one spot with victory at the Masters Cup in Shanghai.

Despite competing in only 13 tournaments, Williams won eight titles and beat her older sister Venus in the finals at the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open.—Reuters