Serena to Defend Crown Against Former World No.1 Henin

Published : January 28, 2010 :: 15:01:12 [ 1,153 views ]

Serena Williams has advanced into the Australian Open Final after a tough match-up against the hard grafting Li Na from China, whilst Justine Henin also progressed against her Chinese opponent, Zheng Jie.

Melbourne, the 27th of January 2010 [PDN]: In contrasting match-ups against Chinese opponents Serena Williams and Justine Henin have progressed into the final of the 2010 Australian Open. Serena overcame China’s Li Na following two tie break sets, 7-6, 7-6. Henin in the other semi-final nailed her Chinese opponent Zheng Jie 6-1, 6-0.

Henin, appearing in her first major since returning from a 20 month absence from the women’s tour has defied the critics by storming into the final. Whilst Serena and Henin have enjoyed an intense rivalry over the years – Serena holding a 7-6 advantage – the pair have never met in the final of a Grand Slam.

The Belgian stated of the current world No.1: “The dream continues as I play the No.1 in the world and the defending champion. Serena’s a real fighter and I’m very much looking forward to it. I’ll do my best and try to get the title of course.”

In only her second tournament after returning to the WTA tour Henin has managed to reach both finals, the first being in Brisbane three weeks ago in which she lost to compatriot Kim Clijsters. She was given a wild card for the Melbourne event with no current world ranking attained as she is yet to play 3 tournaments on the tour.

Having appeared in the Australian Open Final in 2006 against France’s Amelie Mauresmo – where she retired injured – Henin attempts to become the first unranked player since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1977 to win the Australian Open Final.

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