Justin confident of further French success
Justine Henin-Hardenne is confident she can beat world number two Maria Sharapova in the last eight of the French Open after an impressive display against sixth seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the fourth round.
The 22-year-old Belgian, the former world number one who won at Roland Garros two years ago before enduring a nightmare 2004 season because of glandular fever, fought back from 5-3 down in the final set to record a 7-6 (8-6) 4-6 7-5 win over her Russian opponent.
Henin-Hardenne, who was suffering from a slight back injury throughout, saved two match points on her own serve when she was trailing 5-4.
She then broke Kuznetsova to take a 6-5 lead before taking the first of her three match points when her opponent’s return was wide.
“This was a miracle for me today,” Henin-Hardenne said after her victory. “I had the strength to hold on even if I did not play good tennis.”
Henin-Hardenne, who is the 10th seed in Paris, maintains it was her mental strength which helped her overcome Kuznetsova, and hopes the same thing will also allow her to repeat that performance when she faces Sharapova tomorrow.
“I stayed very positive and never gave up, such a win makes me feel very, very happy,” she added.
“The match against Sharapova will be another tough one but I believe I can go through. There was no luck in my win today, it was just about being the strongest mentally at the right moment.”
Kuznetsova, who won the US Open in 2004, was furious after she failed to take her own match points in the deciding set.
“She did not win, I lost,” said the 19-year-old. “I made a lot of mistakes and was confused towards the end of the match.
“I missed out on my chances, I should have played more aggressively when I had the opportunity. I was much fitter than she was also, I felt I could run forever and I was comfortable.
“I guess she has more experience than me but once again this is about myself and the fact that I let the match slip.”
