For the third time in Justine Henin’s distinguished career, she will end the tennis season as the number one player in the world.
The Belgian previously finished atop the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings in 2006 and 2003.
In an article written by Douglas Robson of USA Today the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour has confirmed that Henin is mathematically assured of ending the year as number one.
Henin, the most dominant player in tennis this year except for the ATP Tour’s Roger Federer, has to date captured eight singles titles in 2007, including her fourth Roland Garros title and second US Open trophy.
Her closest competition for the No. 1 ranking, Svetlana Kuznetsova, is almost two thousand points behind – and falling further by the week.
Compared to last year, Henin has clinched the ranking early with over a month left to the tennis season. In 2006, the race for the top spot ended at the Sony Ericsson Championships after a three-way tie between Henin, Maria Sharapova, and Amelie Mauresmo.
Svetlana would have to win every tournament she plays including the Championship while Justine loses early for Svetlana to be no. 1, which would be a miracle for Svetlana…but don’t think that’ll happen.
Svetlana would need a BIG miracle to take the ranking away from Henin anytime in the near future. I knew the moment Henin won the US Open that she would be the overwhelming favorite to end the season at No. 1.
Now if Jelena Jankovic had been closer in points, she might have had a chance. But JJ is way too exhausted and too far behind to mount that type of miracle charge this fall. However, I would not be surprised to see her end at No. 2 and start putting the pressure on Henin in Australia.
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