Belgian Justine Henin demolished Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-1 6-3 today to win her second US Open title and her seventh Grand Slam tennis crown.
The top seed was right on top of her game, scorching to victory in one hour 22 minutes to become the first woman to
win the title without losing a set since Serena Williams in 2002.
"It's such a great feeling," Henin said.
"I had two amazing weeks and played my best tennis."
With 2004 champion Kuznetsova struggling, Henin broke in the opening game of the match and never looked back, breaking twice more to surge ahead.
Kuznetsova, the fourth seed, improved in the second set but Henin broke for 3-1, saved two break points in the next game and three more in the ninth before becoming the first woman to beat both Williams sisters in a Grand Slam event and win the title.
Kuznetsova won the first two points of the match but netted a forehand to lose serve in the first game and squandered a game point as Henin broke again to lead 3-0.
The Russian had a break point in the fourth game but Henin saved it with a big forehand and though Kuznetsova got on the board in the fifth game, the Belgian broke again to clinch the opening set.
The first three games of the second set went with serve as Kuznetsova tried to take the initiative but Henin won a long fourth game to move ahead 3-1.
Henin saved two break points in the next game to extend her lead and held the advantage to 5-3, when two double faults handed the Russian two break points.
The Belgian got back to deuce, only to double fault and hand Kuznetsova a third chance to get back on serve.
But Henin saved it again and sealed victory two points later with a forehand drop volley.
"She played an unbelievable tournament and an unbelievable game today," Kuznetsova said.
"I hope to be back with better game in the final next time."
- REUTERS
