New World #1 Speaks... - 網球

http://www.henin-hardenne.be/bin/index.asp?lang=en
New World #1 Speaks...
12/11/2006:

On Saturday afternoon in Madrid Justine was crowned world #1 by defeating Maria
Sharapova in the semi-finals at the Sony Ericsson WTA Championships 6-2
7-6 (7-5). Pure self conviction, and zen focus gave Justine the crown. The
Belgian heroine spoke to the media after her win with a warm smile, nods, and
glances.


Justine on the SF match against Maria
"I'm very happy, it was a good match, I had alot of motivation. I was
aggressive, I went to the net, and took opportunities. I was only a little
nervous toward the end, but very satisfied with the way in which I play."




The joy of being #1 again
"It's going to be me and I'm very happy about that. It's not easy to get to the
finals of all four Grand Slams, and that's what I did. I've been very
consistent, and I'm now in the final again. 2006 is almost done, and when I
look back, I see only good things, even when I think about my tough matches in
the Grand Slam finals. It's probably the best season of my career; I'll enjoy
it in the next two months. It's a very different feeling. At that time(2003) it
was all new. Now I know just how hard it is to achieve. Since 2003 I've had a
lot of injuries and I know how hard you have to work. That's why I'm savouring
it more today, or tomorrow I should say, because there is still a match to win."





Pre-tournament and early morning SF jitters?
"What I've done here is more than I hoped for. If you could have seen me two
weeks ago I was full of self doubt. It was inconceivable for me to be here.
This morning I had a terrible warm-up I was hitting the ball really hard to
relieve my stress. It worked because I felt a sense of calm before going on
court. Tactically it was almost perfect. I respected the instructions of Carlos
, I sliced, and even if my slices were not always exceptional, there was change
in my play. I was able to serve and volley, vary the pace, and put pressure,
yes that's what I did. From the first point of the match I went forwards. I
felt a bit nervous, but I seized opportunities."


A full 2006 schedule played
"I was the most consistent player. Of the 13 tournaments I competed in this
year I reached the final in ten. And it's not easy to reach the finals of four
Grand Slams. I feel really proud to have been so solid. It's more the
regularity of this year that has made me most proud. I managed big moments
better than I did in the past."



The 2006 Sony Ericsson Championships season finale will take place today at
16:00 hrs (CET Spain). Check your local broadcast listings for specific air
times, and dates.


ALLEZ JUSTINE!




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