Justine Henin-Hardenne Wins Third French Open Title
Justine Henin-Hardenne went on to win the finals at Roland-Garros against Svetlana Kuznetsova with a score of 6-4, 6-4. This marks her second consecutive win at the French Open, and her third in four years.
“The difference today was a couple of points, important points. I managed those moments better, even though we might say she was more solid than I was,” said Henin-Hardenne, a five-time major champion. “I play tennis because of these very close situations. This tightness — when you’re nervous, on the crucial points, on break points — that’s what I love.”
It was hardly the most aesthetically pleasing match; the players combined for 68 unforced errors, 40 in the first set alone. Both women double-faulted on break point. Both were betrayed by their best shot: 2004 U.S. Open champion Kuznetsova missed 20 forehands — five in the first game — and Henin-Hardenne’s backhand gave her fits early.
“The match today was not so good, the quality of what she did was not so good,” said Carlos Rodriguez, Henin-Hardenne’s coach. “But she understands now that even if she doesn’t play the best match, she can still win.”
I was quite unhappy to have missed the finals, as I was flying somewhere between France and Portugal at the time it was going on, but I was really happy to hear that Henin-Hardenne won. Partly because after Mauresmo, she’s my favorite player, and partly because I feel she was cheated out of a fair shot at the Australian Open. Not that I don’t think Mauresmo might not have won anyway, but it was sad to see Henin-Hardenne have to give it up in the finals.
And that marks the end of the French Open. Well, for the women anyway. Federer and Nadal will be facing each other later this afternoon, and that’s a match I don’t plan to miss.
Meanwhile, we can get ready for Wimbledon.
(source /AP Photo/Michel Springler)
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