Saturday was the finishing day of two grass-court events – the $600,000 International Women’s Open and the $175,000 Ordina Open. Finals at both tournaments were tough three-setters; at the International Women’s Open Justine Henin defeated Amelie Mauresmo 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (2), while at Ordina Open Anna Chakvetadze beat Jelena Jankovic 7-6 (2), 3-6, 6-3.
Top seed Justine Henin of Belgium has defended her Eastbourne title assuring us that she’s a strong favorite for Wimbledon after defeating France’s Amelie Mauresmo, reigning champion of the upcoming grand slam.
To reach the final, the 25-year-old Belgian beat Agnieszka Radwanska, Nicole Vaidisova, and Marion Bartoli.
As for the Ordina Open final, it was difficult for both the players and spectators since it had three rain suspensions! Third-seeded Anna Chakvetadze of Russia was fully focused and precise from the very beginning of the match taking a 5-0 lead in the first set. Top-seeded Jelena Jankovic, on the other hand, seemed distracted by the weather conditions and by her left hamstring injury. Chakvetadze looked like she had a goal and was completely determined to achieve it, so she adapted to the rainy weather better than her opponent.
To reach the final, the 20-year-old Chakvetadze beat Victoria Azarenka, Francesca Schiavone, Angelique Kerber, and Daniela Hantuchova.
Saturday’s trophy is the Russian’s second in 2007; she won her third career Tour singles title at Hobart back in January. Info: Chakvetadze has played five finals so far, and she was victorious at each one.
