The rivalry between Justine Henin and Amelie Mauresmo, one of the sport's highlights last year, will resume in the final of the Dubai Open today.
Henin made a spirited comeback to beat Svetlana Kuznetsova in three sets yesterday before Mauresmo's semifinal ended when Jelena Jankovic retired with an
ankle injury.
Henin and Mauresmo share the same language but have little else in common, particularly after the controversial end to last year's Australian Open final. Henin was criticised for spoiling Mauresmo's joy at winning her first Grand Slam title by retiring with stomach cramps when the Frenchwoman led by a set and 2-0.
Henin insisted yesterday any bad feeling was history but Mauresmo's curt replies on the subject suggested she has not forgotten. Mauresmo repeated her victory in last year's Wimbledon final but the Belgian won their season-ending WTA Championships final in Madrid, which saw her reclaim her status as world No 1 and tied their head-to-head record at 6-6.
"Our matches are a clash of styles," Henin said. "They're very tactical and nerves are always a factor. They're always big struggles but they're not usually great matches. There's very little to choose between us. I think our rivalry can only grow and help me to improve, just as my rivalry with Kim Clijsters has."
In beating Kuznetsova, Henin had to find her best tennis since making her comeback this month following the breakdown of her marriage (and the loss of her hyphenated married name of Henin-Hardenne) and withdrawal from the Australian Open. Having made a nervous start, Henin turned tentative defence into bold attack by the end of her 1-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory. It was her 15th win from 15 matches in four appearances at Dubai.
Mauresmo was leading 5-2 when Jankovic fell and hurt her ankle. The Serb, who played on for five points as Mauresmo won the set, wanted to continue but her mother, watching from courtside, told her to retire.
It had been an eventful set. Mauresmo sent for the referee after correctly insisting the umpire had called the score wrong and play was also held up when a cat ran on court.
- THE INDEPENDENT
