World No. 1 Justine Henin Crushes Marion Bartoli, Ends Round Robin with Double Bagel
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Nov 8, 2007 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
If revenge is a dish best served cold, Justine Henin made the old cliche’ come true by blasting Marion Bartoli off the court in Madrid today before the Frenchwoman even had a chance to warm-up.
Henin, who said after the match that she was indeed out for revenge, showed no mercy to Bartoli on Thursday, pummeling the Wimbledon finalist 6-0, 6-0 in only fifty-seven minutes.
It was quite a different performance from Henin than what she displayed the last time she faced Bartoli. Six months ago, Henin left Centre Court at SW19 in shock after being stunned by Bartoli in the semifinals 1-6, 7-5, 6-1.
Today’s match in Madrid was a dead rubber for Henin, who booked her spot in the semifinal round after Serena Williams’ injury retirement on Wednesday. It might have been an insignificant match for the world number one, but it could not have been assumed such based upon her performance.
Although Henin ended the match with only a 45% first-serve percentage, she protected her serve well and did not face one break point.
Henin now has a day of rest on Friday before heading into Saturday’s semifinals. Henin will face either Maria Sharapova or Ana Ivanovic.
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Nick | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Marion didnt have enough time to prepare and Justine was definitely looking forward to this match up when Serena pulled out.
I think Serena, or anyone else, if they already know they’re not well should pull out and not wait until they match the first match. It’s unfair to the fans and the alternate player.
Serena is definitely not a fortune teller, so she can’t predict the future, but she said she wasn’t feel well with the legs before the Championship started. She should have rested and waited until 2008 to play again.
Aaress | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Nick, did you hear Marion say that she didn’t get word on Serena’s withdrawal until 1AM? A late night was not the best preparation for facing the world’s best player.
I’ve read a lot of buzz online regarding the Tour’s need to double-check that their players are able to go the duration at the Championships.
Ironically, the one person that everyone was concerned about, Maria Sharapova, is still going strong with a 2-0 record.
Dapxin | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Aaress,
I thought word was out that Marion was on standby ? If that was the case, she should have been prepping herself for the possibility of coming in…
I don’t think that can ever excuse not being able to win a game off Henin still.
And let no one say Henin was just too good, it was no contest match, and it diminishes the wta a lot
Will.I.AM | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Good point Dapxin. Marion knew she was the alternative just in case someone pulled out. Don’t use Serena’s injury as an excuse for her getting crushed. It’s only a matter of time before Serena gets blamed for the war in Iraq! You people are ridiculous!
Aaress | Nov 8, 2007 | Reply
Someone feel free to correct me if you’ve read otherwise, but I’ve not seen one word of Marion Bartoli claiming that the reason why she lost was ill-preparedness.
The only person involved in the situation that cited the last-minute switch as an excuse for Bartoli’s loss was Justine Henin. Personally, I think that was more gracious than saying that Bartoli was totally blown away by her superior play.
And Will, no one said anything about Serena being to blame for Bartoli’s loss. Like I said before, if anyone looked doubtful and ready to pull-out before the tournament it was Maria - and look how well she has done. A lot can change in a player’s health in a few weeks, or even a few days.
If Serena knew that she was in as bad of shape as she looked on Wednesday, I don’t believe for one minute that she would have gone to Madrid. Both Williams sisters take their physical conditions way to seriously to toy around with a major injury this close to the AO.
Besides, Marion Bartoli ought to look at things on the bright side, or as you’ve reminded me in the past Will, at the glass half-full. She played in her first Tour Championships and saw her prize money jump from $20,000 to a minimum of $100,000 (of course some of that will have to be split with Serena).
That alone makes for a nice consolation prize.
Dapxin | Nov 9, 2007 | Reply
I didn’t listen to Justine postgame, so wouldn’t be too competetent to comment on her bringing in Serena in, but if your account is anything to go by, it may be comforting for the Bartoli camp.
What I just didn’t like was the fact that it was a love down set x2.
I agree with Aaress view wrt Marion’s pay though, but isn’t Marion’s doublehanded back/fore style a substantial weakness? I ‘d appreciate enlightenment…
Nick | Nov 9, 2007 | Reply
Yeah, I read about the 1AM, that’s why I can’t disagree with Nalbandian for not wanting to be the alternate.
At least Marion won today…as for Sharapova, she looks like she’s back with that serve. Been serving great this week, but I dont think she wants a taste of Henin until the Final.