Justine Henin Outshines Serena Williams to Reach US Open Semifinals
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 4, 2007 | Print |
For the first time in her stellar career, world number one Justine Henin has defeated Serena Williams on a hardcourt with a solid 7-6(3), 6-1 win in the quarterfinals of the US Open.
At times during tonight’s match, Serena showed glimpses of the form that led her to the Australian Open title in January, but for most of the match, the brilliance was coming off the racquet of Henin.
Justine served for the first set at 5-4, but Serena stormed back to push a tie break. The level of tennis was top quality from both women, however, Justine quickly grabbed the mini break before closing out the set 7-6(3). The second set was all Henin, and she quickly served out the match on her second match point for a berth in the semifinals.
The fight that Serena put up during the first set was typical Williams, but by the middle of the second set she appeared listless and defeated.
Justine worked the angles, kept Serena on the run, and took advantage of Serena’s weaker second serve to come into the net. Ordinarily, Serena can hold her own against players like Henin at the net, but tonight she looked awkward and off-balance when she came into the court.
For the third time this season, Justine Henin ousted Serena Williams in the quarterfinal of a Grand Slam. This win was doubly special because this was the first time in her career that she had ever beaten Serena on a hardcourt.
Next up for the world number one is the winner of tomorrow’s match between Jelena Jankovic and Venus Williams.
If you enjoyed this tennis article, please sign up for a free subscription!
Hako | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
I was pretty sure Justine would win. She can beat Venus too, if she can forget the distant past…..when she used to lose to her. She and Venus haven’t played since 2002 I believe. Justine is a different player now, bigger serve and forehand, and a more aggressive return game. Venus is playing very well this week, but to get to Justine she has to beat Jankovic first….and that wont be a cakewalk.
DT | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
I’m sure Serena will come up with some LAME excuse as to why she played horribly, or how she was only 45%. She was simply OUTPLAYED once again. It’s about time those two William’s sisters learn to give the credit that’s due.
Richard | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
Serena said that Henin “hit some lucky shots”.
LUCKY? 30 winners from Henin and just half of that from Serena. I can’t help but laugh.
Richard | Sep 4, 2007 | Reply
And if Venus gets past Jankovic, I think she’ll plow through Henin. Venus and Henin last met in 2003.
Lebon | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
If Venus meets Henin she is going to destroy her! She is faster than Serena and her volleys are way better. If she keeps her form Henin has no chance
Hako | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
It was 4 and 1/2 years ago according to the commentators….when Justine hadn’t won a grand slam yet. You’re living in a fantasy world if
you think anyone can plow through Henin. She number one in the world for a reason. Venus is very much aware that Justine is way better than the last time they met, and she expects a tough fight.
Hako | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Lebon, Jankovic has beaten Venus a couple of times. Jankovic has never beaten Justine…….in seven attempts. Jankovic also was quoted saying “I can beat anyone….just not Justine.” And you really believe that Henin ” has no chance”. Please.
Nick | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I think it’s too soon to fight over the Venus/Justine’s match people. I mean Venus has to get through Jankovic, and Jankovic is not Ivanovic.
If Jankovic can knock down Venus on grass I don’t see why people keep on saying she can’t beat Venus on hardcourt, even if Venus is playing better.
As for Serena, she pulled out a sore loser face last night, but it’s typical, I just hope the Williams Sisters play more along with Justine to help the WTA Tour, they need these three.
We’ll see tonight if Venus can power her way to the semifinal or fall short again in another 3 sets match to Jankovic.
Aaress | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Jankovic is not Ivanovic, but its going to be interesting to see if Jankovic can stay focused against the Williams onslaught, especially with the thought of facing Henin next.
She is not the most mentally resilient player on Tour and facing Venus, she needs to be prepared to run down a lot of balls, and be aggressive.
We’re still one match away from the “big blockbuster”, but hopefully Venus and Jelena will put on a close match, unlike last night’s second set meltdown.
Lebon | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
OK I hope Justine and Venus meets and we will see! Its not because Jankovic has beaten Venus before that it means Venus cannot beat Henin. I wished Jankovic and Venus played at Wimb after the fourth round. Serena was overpowered and outplayed by Henin!
Andrew | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
What in the world is the big surprise on Barry Bonds little sister (Serena)with her comments to the media, press etc. etc.??
steve harrison | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
you people need to get a life. your whole society is based on hate. moroni’s.
steve harrison | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
You people need to get a life. Your whole society is based on hate. You’re all a bunch of moroni’s.
Frankie | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
I really enjoy watching Venus and Serena play tennis. Last night I just turned the tv to another station. I didn’t even finish watching the match. I am in Serena’s corner no matter what. Just as my husband is a “Cowboy” till death. But last night I wanted to turn my back on her forever. No graciousness whatsoever. PLEASE Williams sisters, give credit where credit is due. And whatever my black brothers and sisters think….Justine is a more finese player!!! Power aside, everyone has it now. Both Williams sisters need a new coach. And whether Venus win or lose, I’ll still love her too.
Terence | Sep 5, 2007 | Reply
Serena is lazy and out of shape, and still does well because too many of her opponents hit the ball right to her. If you want to get into a slugfest with Serena, you will lose. If you hit the ball where she isn’t standing and change speeds, she will wear out. She’s gotten too heavy. Plain and simple. She’ll get tired and make mistakes. Why more players don’t realize this, I have no idea. She’s gotten complacent. It’s a lack of maturity, just like her comments afterward.
Nicolle Brazil | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
I love to see the Williams sisters take control. Serena just wasn’t able to do it this time. Oh well! What concerns me is the media and how everyone jumps on the band wagon to make her look like the worst person/player. Maybe she could have responded better. Maybe she is out of shape. Oh well. The Williams sisters have had to work very hard to establish themselves and gain respect. I think a little honesty in a stressful situation is not as bad as people are making it. She will still play, still win, still rake in the money. Hopefully she will learn from this situation. I don’t think she deserves to be humiliated over and over and over.
Aaress | Sep 6, 2007 | Reply
Hi folks . . .
Just a friendly reminder - this post is ONLY for discussions regarding the quarterfinal match, not the post-match press conference.
Any comments attempting to revive the media/public response to Serena’s words will be deleted . . . before they are published.
Thanks.