Top-seeded Justine Henin, who is yet to drop a set in this year’s US Open, will face fourth-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova on Saturday night in a title match featuring two past Open champions.
The Belgian has a chance to become the first player to beat both Williams sisters on the way to a Grand Slam title. In her semifinal match against Venus Williams, little Henin displayed preciseness in placing balls on the lines and in the angles, as well as athleticism and belief in herself. Venus was a tough opponent, there’s no doubt about it, but I had never doubted that Henin would win. Final result: 7-6 (2), 6-4.
Earlier in the day, Svetlana Kuznetsova beat compatriot Anna Chakvetadze 3-6 6-1 6-1. The Russians struggled immensely throughout the match. Take a look at this fact: Kuznetsova lost the first set even though Chakvetadze hit only one winner! Throughout the semifinal both players couldn’t put the ball in the court, while also having problems with the nerves.
Henin goes into the final with a daunting 14-2 record against Kuznetsova, although the Russian did win their last match earlier this year. The 25-year-old Henin is seeking her seventh Grand Slam title, while Kuznetsova is hoping to add to the lone major she won in New York in 2004.
