US OPEN 2006-Justine and Lindsay Again - 網球

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06/09/2006:

Justine will once again play the great American veteran Lindsay Davenport in a
quarterfinal stage at the US Open. It will be their 13th career meeting, and
sixth in a major. The match was originally scheduled for Tuesday night, but
due to rainfall moved today to be played immediately following the Marat Safin
versus Tommy Haas match on center court.

"I played her(JH-H) when she was like 16 or 17. Tim Henman had the greatest
quote the other day playing Federer, because, I think, has beaten him a bunch
of times. He said, yeah, it helps when you play him when he's 11 years old. I
played her a lot at the beginning of her career, and I think over the years,
she's improved her forehand, her confidence. She's kind of a different player.
I've watched her a play lot this year. I watched her, and also last year, her
strengths, her weaknesses. For me, I mean, there's no question I have to keep
the balls coming back at her hard and deep and not give her a lot of time to
set up and use her forehand" - Lindsay

In 1999 at Roland Garros, a 16 year old Justine played her first career major,
and subsequently her highest ranked opponent; Lindsay Davenport. The world was
introduced to the electric 1-handed backhand Belgian, who won her first ever
WTA tournament entered the previous week. The #2 seeded American was shocked
that year, and forced to save three matchpoints against the young Belgian
Lioness down 40-0 in the third set at the 2nd round in Paris. Davenport won
the match 6-3 2-6 7-5, but never forgot the name or hurricane 1-handed
backhand of Justine Henin.

Justine and Lindsay's careers have intertwined throughout the years, and
always at pinnacle moments for each player. Their previous meeting was a mere
10 days ago in New Haven. Justine won that match with Lindsay retiring upon a
shoulder problem. Today's quarterfinal will be the second major meeting of the
2006, but first at the US Open since 2000. Davenport looked to be over her
shoulder injury, and won a hard fought three setter against Srebotnik, and an
easier one against Schnyder. The historical significance, and final critical
review of where the 13th match between Justine and Lindsay stands in their
respective careers can only truly be understood later with time. Right now,
the brilliance of two great champions who choose to define themselves purely
on their tennis game, rather than hype or noise should be cherished.

We'll have more news, information, and stories about Justine's second week in
New York City as it arrives always right here at www.henin-hardenne.be. The
US OPEN 2006 is televised internationally. Please check your local tv listings
for exact times, and dates.



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