US OPEN 07 - I'll Take Manhattan - 網球

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US OPEN 07 - I'll Take Manhattan
03/09/2007:

Justine threw down her gauntlet to all antagonists at the US Open early this
evening by slaying big hammer hitter Dinara Safina in 59 minutes. Justine
gave the Arthur Ashe crowd a teaser of her dazzling speed and percision for
an hour. The Belgian tennis queen ripped down the tall Russian's game with
seven breaks of serve. Justine next plays Serena Williams on Tuesday night.

Justine first visited New York for the US OPEN in 1999 as a fresh faced
junior aged 17. The young Belgian entered the main draw ranked at WTA# 95,
and lost two sets in her first career meeting with Amelie Mauresmo. The
Belgian tennis sensation has been taunted by fourth round defeats in 2000,
2001, 2002, 2004, and 2005. The only years she didn't stop in the round of 16
were 2006 as a finalist and 2003 as champion.

Dinara Safina was Justine's first serious challenge at this year's US OPEN.
Justine outplayed the Russian 6-0 in 22 minutes. Safina was striking the ball
very well in her previous a few days ago, but Justine is on a mission to
claim New York once more, and nothing could stop the charge ahead. To
complicate matters for the Russian the 2007 model Justine Henin added in
serve and volley to her all court game.

The more things change, the more some things remain the same. The games were
played at a very high tempo and the energy level never died despite the
scoreline, yet Dinara found things fustrating in the second set. The constant
pressure to keep up with Justine took it's toll. Immaculate power serves were
hit back by Justine in a blink of an eye leaving Safina ball watching. The
set went to 3-0, but a few loose service games from Ms. Henin, and Dinara was
kept in the match. However, Justine had a taste of the Big Apple, and nothing
is sweeter than the flavor of victory. The grand Belgian took her match
points on serve with ease.


6-0 6-2 in 59 minutes


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