Justine Henin Dazzles Past Venus Williams, Will Face Kuznetsova in US Open Final
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Sep 7, 2007 | Print |
In a cunningly brilliant display of superb tennis, world number one Justine Henin has ousted Venus Williams in straight sets for a berth in the 2007 US Open women’s final.
Henin’s 7-6(2), 6-4 victory over Williams emphasizes her skill as the best tennis player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.
Although Venus Williams lost in straight sets, she still played exceptionally well. Too bad she was suffering from some type of breathing/dizzy problem or she might have put up a bigger fight in the second set.
Simply put, Venus’ performance just was not enough against the brilliance of Henin. What Venus could do at the net, Justine could do better on the run. Venus’ forehand shots which would have been outright winners against any other player, Justine ended with crafty angles.
Henin, who has often been accused of being cold, undemonstrative, if not outright boring on court, played with a passion I’ve never seen from her before today. Between passing shots ending with “Allez” and fist pumps after forehand winners, the Belgian played with her head and more important, her heart.
This season has been a difficult year for the twenty-five year old. She started 2007 dealing with a painful divorce from her husband of four years, Pierre-Yves Hardenne.
But, when the Tour headed to her beloved courts in Paris, Henin was a new woman. She smiled more, losses were dealt with better, and she seemed at peace with her tennis, and more important, with herself.
Part of that transformation she credits to being reconciled with her family.
“I would say that it [her family reconciliation] makes me feel a better person and that’s the most important thing because it’s going to be my whole life,” said Henin after reaching the semifinals.
“It’s an amazing feeling. There’s a lot of love. That gives a lot of confidence for the rest of my life, not only for my career.”
After defeating Venus and Serena Williams in back-to-back wins without dropping a set, Henin’s confidence could not be higher. No doubt, no doubt, Justine and Carlos are already aware of the lackluster results from the first semifinal, with Henin planning to go for Kuznetsova’s juggler vein in the final tomorrow.
If Svetlana gets a good night of rest, spends some time on the practice court working the kinks out of her serve, and gets her head screwed back on straight, she may be able to take a few games off Henin tomorrow.
If not, everyone get ready to watch a quick final on Saturday night at the US Open.
What is your take on tomorrow’s championship match? Can Svetlana put on a good show or will this be yet another lopsided Grand Slam final?
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Hako | Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
Justine finally had the opportunity she had been dreaming of…..according to her. Everyone knows she dominates on clay, but she wanted to show she really was the best….regardless of surface.
This week, beating both William sister back to back on hard court, was the chance she had been waiting for. She really is the greatest women’s tennis player in the world at this point in time. I hope more people will finally begin to accept and acknowledge that fact.
Nick | Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
It was an incredible match and I really thought Justine would lose her nerves and head in the first and second set, but it was Venus who couldn’t handle the pressure.
Amazing match, another one for the year!
Great match from both of them today!
Kuznetsova hit 22ue in the first set while Anna hit one winner and won the set…oh my ***, strike me dead…if she doesn’t pick up her game 200% she can kiss that double bagels tomorrow against Justine.
Frankie | Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
KUDOS!!!!!! to JUSTINE HENIN. She said she was nervous, but she sure didn’t show IT. She won that match hands down. Can’t any of us say it was because Venus was tired or injured, my girl just couldn’t stand the heat. Justine just played a better game. Now saying all that…………VENUS IS STILL MY GIRL and I wish her success the next time.
MS.MEMPHIS | Sep 7, 2007 | Reply
WELL DONE TO JUSTINE. I AM A HUGE FAN OF VENUS BUT SHE JUST COULDN’T PULL IT OFF. BETTER LUCK NEXT TIME…..
Korn | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
Congratulations Justine for beating those two “Crybaby Clowns”. Years ago there were the Maleeva sisters that were dubbed “Boo and Hoo” by the players and media for their constant whining. Looks like these two have ressurected the name.
Diane | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
I can’t imagine who on Earth would consider Henin’s tennis “boring.” It’s brilliant.
Richard | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
Henin as a person is boring though. Probably the worst personality in women’s tennis.
Venus is not a crybaby. To the person who said that, did you even know what she said after the match? She gave credit to Justine and said she played a great match. Don’t be stupid and automatically label Venus according to her little sister’s actions.
BC | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
The bottom line is that Venus was a half step slow throughout the match. That doesn’t diminish the fact that Justine played very well and clearly deserved to win. I think that if Venus had been a bit fresher (and been able to get through the Jankovic match a bit quicker) she would have likely gotten through this match. Venus’ game actually matches up well with Henin’s and I’d expect that the next time they meet on a quick surface that Venus will come out on top. Well done from Justine though, surely have to give her credit for playing a heady match.
Frankie | Sep 8, 2007 | Reply
Is that the first “K” coming out of KORN. Don’t start. Stay in the dark please. Venus did give credit to Justine who was superb. Even though Serena, being upset was ugly in her post interview session, don’t just label VENUS. If you don’t have anything positive to say “K”eep your comments to yourself….
Miguel | Sep 13, 2007 | Reply
Hey Mr. Richard, do you know or have you actually met Justine personally to be able to brand her as boring or being the worst personality in tennis? Just because someone plays with so much intensity, discipline and professionalism does not make for a “boring” or “bad personality.” More than anything, you’re just like the Williams sisters. Sour grapes. Yeah, Venus gave a half-hearted “credit” to Justine because she probably did not want to incur the same wrath the Serena received for her boorish behaviour. What you lack as a tennis enthusiast is objectivity. People like you are just not capable of that.