Former world No.1 Justine Henin returned to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in January and today at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart she won her first comeback title, having finished runner-up at Brisbane and Australian Open. The Belgian’s opponent in today’s final was Australian Samantha Stosur, whom she was playing for the first time.
The 26-year-old Stosur entered the Stuttgart final on an 11-match winning streak on clay, but it was not rocket science that her first meeting with four-time French Open champion Henin would be a real challenge. Henin, a wildcard now projected to return to the Top 20, didn’t need more than one break point to take her opponent’s service game and then the first set. In the following set, the Australian seventh seed, a wildcard as a late entrant, held serve throughout and broke Henin two times to win 6-2. In the decider, Henin was strong on her serve and allowed Stosur to win only one game. Final score: 6-4 2-6 6-1.
Henin won her 42th WTA singles title and her second at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. Prize for the winner was $107,000 and a Porsche sports car, while the runner-up took home $56,000. (photo: © Neal Trousdale)
Allez!!! I knew she will not falter in this one. I mean, in previous finals and in Miami she was good but not just there yet. But now I feel that her good old match sharpness is back to the full. The match with Jankovic was probably the most dramatic one, but this was, I’ve heard pretty exciting, too. Can’t wait till the French Open.
It was obvious she would win…no offence to the Australian fans…I like Sam, I watched her at the Rogers Cup up close! She played on a small court so I was like 2 m. away from her. She serves SOO fast, and is consistent. I got her signature too—I think it was her against Azarenka or something. Watching them was amazing, because most people do not know of them. I was like a know it all there. Like they were like: “who the hell is Sam and Dulko?” I was like: “Are you guys serious?” It was funny
Henin was born on clay and it is her specialty. I think RG this year will be extra exciting. I hope Ana finds her game on clay in the meantime, I mean people are telling me she is certainly improving, but I do not what that means anymore!
I wish it is a JJ and Henin final, but I think the chances of that are low. Maybe Safina will come out strong? Or Dementieva? However, I think Dementieva does not have the capacity to win a GS!
How did your exam go Marija?
i have no idea who will win RG! Marija – will you be doing a predictions thing like last year?
Bb, my exam is on June 2nd, it is a big one. 🙁 I’m not very happy about it.
Jacob, I wasn’t planning to do that, I don’t know, maybe or maybe not… Would you like to do one for my blog?
We will think of you Marija, I am sure you will do great!
Marine, for things like forced studying procrastination is my middle name. 😛 I need all the support I can get. 😀
OK, we’ll be sending you positive energy :-). Ommmmm , lol 😀
With so many people now knowing that I have that exam I will crumble under pressure just like Ana! hahaha 😀
Well done Justine! Allez!