Serena Williams arrived in Australia with one goal in mind—a defense of her 2009 Australian Open title.
On Saturday night in Melbourne Park, Williams captured her twelfth career Grand Slam singles title with a 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 win over former world number one Justine Henin.
Henin’s remarkable comeback run ended just short of winning a second Australian Open title, but not before she proved that she is ready to pick up her career right where she left it in 2008.
Serena struggled during the opening part of the first set as Justine pushed her to nine deuces in just her first two service games. Although Henin tried to keep the pressure on Williams’ serve, it was ultimately her own serve that cost the win.
“It was such a great final, it could have went any way,” Williams said while accepting her fifth Australian Open title. “I definitely think she’s back.”
Henin’s overall first serve percentage for the match was just 50% compared to Serena’s 60%. Throughout the tournament, Henin had struggled with her first serve and against Serena, one of the best servers in the women’s game, her second best just wasn’t good enough.
“It’s been an emotional two weeks for me,” Henin said about her remarkable run. “I thought it would never happen again.”
Although Henin reached the final, she will still remain unranked when the latest Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings are updated on Monday. She must compete at one more tournament before she is added to the chart, but even if she loses in the first round of her next event, she is projected to return to the Top 40.
Williams is the first champion to successfully defend her title since Jennifer Capriati in 2002.
Justine without a decent first serve against Serena, I knew she was going to be punished by Serena. Serena has actually had a very good return of serve this Aussie Open, but I do have to agree with Serena that Justine is certainly back on the tour now.
Excellent win for Serena, she has staged some of the best comebacks in the women’s game. I do not know if it is the effect of her fine and probationary period, but she seems to have a relatively calm temperament. 12 grand slam titles(ties Billy Jean King), 11 doubles slams and 2 mixed doubles, she is deserving of the WTA number one ranking.
A bit of a partisan Aussie crowd and Tv commentary, but I understand Justine’s story is the fairytale one hence the desire to see her win. Kudos to Justine, the french open is still there and suits her style of play very well, and hopefully she makes it to the Wimbledon final as well; her real reason for returning to the tour.
she desrerves the win after her superb performance against Azarenka
Just very happy to see that the state of the women’s game is not that bad that two returning stars can come in and just win majors all over again. At least the top person was able to stand up and stop the comeback.
Not really a fan of Justine. So Congratulations Serena!!!!
Serena never ceases to amaze…the girl is the best in the world at what she does…that must feel awesome…her will to win is unparalleled. You can’t help but respect her. Bow Dooown!!!
Well done Serena
Excellent effort Justine,
My girl will be back at Roland Garros.
Congrats to Serena on the singles, also Serena+Venus on the doubles.
Congratulations Serena!!!
What a player, to win both doubles and singles! Lets see Mr. Federer do that.
Congratulations to Justine on taking the final to three sets so soon after coming back. Also hoping Victoria can take it one step further next time.
Serena’s win is good for the credibility of the WTA Tour. Everyone wishes Henin well with her comeback. It’s been a great two weeks for her. But it wouldn’t have looked good to have another Clijstersesque smash and grab.
Congratulations on an excellent tournament win. Congratulations to Venus also for winning with sister Serena for the Doubles match.
Not a big fan of Justine but she deserves kudos for very good match play. Yes, she is back!
Congrats Serena, I guess the best revenge is to win, win, win. I don’t watch tennis much, but I hope you do well for how ever many years you have left to play at the top of your game. It’s always best to go out at the top of your game b/c you know people will attack you once you are on your way down.