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Lleyton captured the No. 1 ranking for the second straight season when lone rival Andre Agassi crashed to a dramatic 7-5, 2-6, 7-6 (6) loss Thursday night to Spain's Juan Carlos Ferrero at the Tennis Masters Cup, Shanghai.

The 21-year-old Australian was honored on court by ATP CEO Mark Miles and Geoff Pollard, president of Tennis Australia, as he received his trophy as best in the world this season.

"Only six other players have won No. 1 in two straight years, I'm honored to be up there with them," said Hewitt, applauded by his parents in the stands. I'm over the moon to get this wonderful trophy again."

Despite his disappointment, Agassi, who won the top position for 1999, had praise for the Aussie's performance in 2002.

"Lleyton's had a great year, he's proven himself again to be the best out there," said the 32-year-old legend. "It's not easy to do that with the way he plays the game. I give a lot of credit to him."

Hewitt joins Jimmy Connors, John McEnroe, Ivan Lendl, Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg and Pete Sampras with consecutive year-end top rankings.
The Australian owns four titles this year, including his first Wimbledon and his first Tennis Masters Series title, which came at Indian Wells. He earned his others at an Jose and Queen's, London.