Henin Completes Middle Eastern Double in Doha - 網球

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March 3, 2007
Henin Completes Middle Eastern Double in Doha

DOHA, Qatar - Heading into the final of the $1.34 million Qatar Total Open on
Saturday, Justine Henin had just one blemish in her record in the Middle
East, a semifinal loss to Svetlana Kuznetsova at the same event three years
ago. So it was only fitting that she would have her guard up; the Belgian
improved to 22-1 lifetime in the region with a comprehensive straight set win
against the Russian, completing the Middle Eastern double, having claimed
Dubai last week.

The championship battle between the tournament's top two seeds actually began
in Kuznetsova's favor; the Russian broke easily in the sixth game for a 4-2
lead, which seemed daunting considering how easily she herself held serve her
first three tries. But the top-seeded Henin regrouped, reeling off six games
to steal the set and grab an early second set lead. It was one-sided from
there as the Belgian got her 14th win in their 15 meetings.

"Sveta was putting a lot of pressure on me," Henin said. "I was down in the
first set but I changed tactics, went up to net much more, and then I started
to take control of the match."

Henin's near-perfect record in the Middle East includes a 16-0 tally in
Dubai, winning there in 2003, 2004, 2006 and just last week, and now a 6-1
mark here.

She always seems to bring out her best in this region, form that helped her
in overcoming several early round scares. She overcame a 5-2 second set hole
and a pair of set points in the tie-break in a 62 76(9) second round victory
over Alicia Molik, a match point at 5-4 in the third set during a 36 64 75
victory over Patty Schnyder in the quarters, then another three-setter
against Jelena Jankovic in the semis. It was by no means an easy road to the
final for the world's No.2.

"It's a great feeling; I'm very proud to have won here and now I'm getting my
confidence back after the break," Henin continued. "It is amazing to have won
this tournament, and this victory gives me a lot of confidence."

Henin won her second title in three tournaments so far this year. She was out
of Australia due to personal reasons, then made the semifinals at Paris
before this two-tournament run. Now, she moves within striking distance of
regaining the top ranking from Maria Sharapova. It will be within reach in
March: Henin fell in the semifinals of Indian Wells and then in the opening
round of Miami; Sharapova won Indian Wells and was a runner-up at Miami.

Kuznetsova was playing her first final since capturing Beijing last
September. She has also stood out from the pack in this two-week Middle
Eastern season in the past, having reached back-to-back finals in Dubai and
Doha in 2004. But a lack of form during Saturday's final left the Russian
somewhat disappointed.

"I was playing against myself today," Kuznetsova declared. "I was far from my
level of game, and I am very disappointed. Of course Justine played very
well, but it's tough for me because I don't seem to know what to do mentally."

Henin is now 31-15 in career Sony Ericsson WTA Tour finals; Kuznetsova has an
even 8-8 record in championship matches.


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