Hewitt shocks Federer in Halle final

HALLE, Germany, June 13 (UPI) -- Lleyton Hewitt broke Roger Federer's 29-match Gerry Weber Open winning streak Sunday, downing the Swiss star 3-6, 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 in the finals.

No. 8 seed Hewitt battled back from a set down to deal Federer a rare loss on grass surfaces, where he was 76-1 since 2003 heading into Sunday's championship in Halle, Germany.

Federer's last loss in Halle was in the 2002 semifinals.

Hewitt, who had to stage a rally for the second straight match, defeated the world No. 2 in just under 2 1/2 hours. The Australian also had to bounce back from a dropped set in his semifinals victory over Benjamin Becker.

With the win -- his 29th career victory and first since April 2009 -- Hewitt also snapped a personal 15-match losing streak to Federer.