Henin eyeing final piece to the puzzle - 網球

http://eurosport.com/tennis/wimbledon/2006/sport_sto922212.shtml



Justine Henin-Hardenne has the chance on Saturday to complete a career slam,
capturing the only one of the four biggest tournaments on the tour that still
eludes her.

After seeing off the challenge of her great rival Kim Clijsters in the semi-
finals, she will now face Amelie Mauresmo. Though the French girl goes into the
encounter as world number one and top seed, it is Henin-Hardenne who possesses
the mental edge.

Of the seven Grand Slam finals she has played, Henin has won five, including
the French Open less than a month ago. The Belgian makes up for her lack of
physical stature, with probably the most technically sound game on the tour and
is strong off both forehand and backhand sides. Where Mauresmo relies on her
physique and athleticism, Henin relies on timing.

Although Mauresmo defeated the world number three in the final of the Australian
Open in January, the fact Henin defaulted due to injury left question marks
hanging over Mauresmo's ability to close out big matches.

Mauresmo herself admits the victory is unlikely to have much significance upon
Saturday's encounter, commenting "It doesn't matter for me what happened there,
but probably the victory gave me confidence."

Of far greater importance will be how each player handles their nerves, an
issue Henin underlined on Friday. "That's the key at this stage of a tournament
, "It's no question really about tennis, it's a question of how you deal with
the situation. The nerves are very important. Women are more emotional. It's not
easy all the time.''

Over the past few years, it is the 23 year-old from Liege who has handled
nerves better than most, and her record in Grand Slams is far superior to that
of Mauresmo.

If she can push the memories of her defeat in the 2001 final to Venus Williams
to the back of her mind, she has what it takes to finally win Wimbledon, and
add the final piece to her jigsaw of Grand Slam successes.


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