LONDON -- Daniela Hantuchova says it was like a dream, but for Martina Hingis the final at the Indian Wells this weekend was more of a rude awakening.

Confused and dispirited, the former world No. 1 suffered a humiliating 6-3, 6-4 defeat at the hands of Hantuchova, an 18-year-old Slovak who became the lowest-ranked player to win a Tier I title since 1983.

Fewer and fewer fans, pundits and players expect Hingis to beat the big hitters these days.

Jennifer Capriati, Lindsay Davenport and Venus and Serena Williams are increasingly seen as a step too far ahead for the Swiss tactician.

For several years Hingis hung on to her top ranking by swatting aside everyone outside that elite group of power hitters. Without a Grand Slam title since the third of a trio of Australian crowns in 1997, she has nevertheless vacuumed up countless other second tier titles, amassing thousands of computer points.

But the weekend's demolition at the hands of a teenage virtual newcomer should sound alarm bells for Hingis.

Hantuchova is no baseline blaster. She relies on finesse and timing rather than pure muscle-power.

A wily doubles competitor, she out-thought as well as out-hit Hingis.

"She just played very fearlessly," Hingis said. "She had nothing to lose.

"When I was 18, I was fearless too, I guess."

Hingis didn't give up on the match, but she couldn't stop Hantuchova from outplaying her.

"It was more or less up to her," Hingis said. "She was always one shot better. I played great slice, great defense, she always made a better shot out of that.

"Somehow she managed always to hit the lines. There's not much you can do about that."

Sighing like a weary veteran, Hingis went on: "Always when the younger generation comes, they come with something new. She has a great sense of the court. I'll just try to adjust."

Hingis may talk of a younger generation, and the evolution of the game, but the reality is that only three years separate the willowy Hantuchova and Hingis.

Hingis is right, though, in that she must evolve if she is to avoid being left behind as more young players like Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin, and now Hantuchova, have become a threat.

Hantuchova was happy not to analyze her victory too closely. Whether it was fearless play, hitting the lines or a great sense of the court which brought her victory, it was still almost all too much for the teenager.

"For me it is like a dream coming true ... my first final, playing one of the greatest players and beating her the way I did," she said.

"It is hard for me to believe what I have done."