Justine Henin-Hardenne and Svetlana Kuznetsova dispute French Open Title
13th June 2006
Justine Henin-Hardenne and Svetlana Kuznetsova will battle each other at the final round of the Roland Garros women’s singles on Saturday. Henin-Hardenne leads in their career head-to-head wins, 10-1.
Henin-Hardenne came out victorious over compatriot Kim Clijsters in the all-Belgian battle for a place in the final round. Henin-Hardenne handily beat Clijsters in two sets, 6-3, 6-2. Though the two women started the game with good rhythm, Henin-Hardenne overcame the aggressive Clijsters by employing a good service game and committing few unforced errors. Henin-Hardenne reminded Clijsters why she was a two-time Roland Garros Open winner, by putting pressure on her and moving her from side to side on the court.
Clijsters has only praises for her opponent, “I think she is by far the best clay-court player,” said Clijsters.
Henin-Hardenne has this to say, “I served well. It was essential. I did not shiver in the key moments. I forced her into rallies, and I know she does not like that.” Henin-Hardenne’s victory over Clijsters further stretches her career head-to-heads to 11-09 wins.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the draw, Kuznetsova went past teenage sensation Nicole Vaidisova, 5-7, 7-6, 6-2, after being down at 5-3 in the first set. With Kuznetsova winning the first game of the first set, Vaidisova replied by winning the second game of the first set. Vaidisova then succeeded in taking the first set by taking risks and pressuring Kuznetsova. While in the second set, Vaidisova came close to advancing further into the final round, but Kuznetsova clawed her way and turned the tide against Vaidisova, winning the second set, and going for the third set.
A fully pumped-up Kuznetsova cruised on to win the first four games of the third set. Vaidisova could only manage to win two games, as Kuznetsova won the next two games and advanced into the final round of the Roland Garros tournament.
Vaidisova then left the court in tears, out of disappointment. “Of course I’m disappointed. I don’t like to lose, but I can be proud of what I did, and I’ll use the experience,” she said.
Kuznetsova could only sympathize with Vaidisova, “I know how it feels, because I’ve been in her position so many times, and I’ve done it.” With the win, Kuznetsova stretches her lead in career head-to-heads to 2-0.
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