Seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin will have a chance to win her first title since coming out of retirement, having reached the final at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix on her beloved clay. It will be the Belgian’s 60 Tour final and her opponent will be fellow wildcard Samantha Stosur.
The former world No.1 Henin didn’t have a birthday present for Shahar Peer and defeated the Israeli 6-3 6-2 in the semifinals. Even lack of sleep and cold couldn’t stop Henin, who is currently ranked four places lower than Peer.
Australia’s Samantha Stosur reached her eighth final on the WTA Tour with a 7-5 6-3 victory over 138th-ranked qualifier Anna Lapushchenkova. Stosur had to come from 5-2 behind to take the first set. By the way, if you’re interested in reading more about Lapushchenkova, I suggest a short but very informative article at Diane’s blog about women’s tennis.
Although Stosur is in excellent form, having confirmed that with the Charleston title last month, the first meeting with Henin, especially on clay, will be a great challenge. And apparently, the fact that Henin is playing her first tournament on clay in two years will not be an obstacle. In addition, the Belgian won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in 2007. (photos: sr_cranks)
Really interested to see the result in this one…. Sam is in excellent form, but she is playing one of the best clay court players of all time. The result may just give an indication of what to expect at the French Open. Should be great, all court tennis!
Allez Justine! I know she will win!
who do you think are the best current clay courters?
i think;
1) Justine Henin
2) Jelena Jankovic
3) Samantha Stosur
and i think im a little biased because im also australian.
i am australian and to be honest i can’t stand stosur. her being in the top 10 is acctually the biggest joke in tenns.
If Sam’s serve is working 100% then there’s a chance she pick up a lot of free points on it and then…who knows? One break might be enough!
If its not working at 100% OR if Justine brings her A game (which i don’t think we’ve really seen yet since her comeback, despite the Finals she’s reached) then there’s only one winner.
I guess confidence will be a factor too, although Sam is on a good winning run at the moment and, naturally will be confident for that reason, she knows she is up against the “Queen of clay” here.
Justine on the other hand has been there and done it…numerous times! She’ll know that, if she can handle Sam’s serve ok, she can produce all sorts of angles that will have Sam chasing shadows.
jacob, I think that the best is obviously Justine, than probably Sam and Daniela. It´s hard to pick cos clay court season has just started.
You don´t have to be biased to put Sam on your list. She was playing really good on clay so far.
And she’s done it! I think her game is finally getting into the A mode. She is much more aggressive than in the other finals and handles her nerves a lot better,too.
Jacob, Justine is extraordinary on clay, I can’t say so for Jelena right now. I would say that Sam is currently better than Jelena.