 | Born: 1/6/82 Nationality: Belgian Seeded: 2 World ranking: 3 US Open best:
Quarter-final (2002, 2001, 2000) Recent record:
2002: 4th round
2001: 4th round
2000: 4th round |
Along with Kim Clijsters, Justine Henin-Hardenne has helped put her country on the tennis map, ensuring that two of the top four spots in the world rankings are occupied by Belgians. Although she was eclipsed by her compatriot during the latter stages of last year, Henin-Hardenne has stepped up her game this season, culminating in victory over Clijsters in the French Open final.
She reached the semi-finals at the Australian Open, having overcome cramp and a 4-1 final set deficit against Lindsay Davenport in an earlier round.
Her opening title of the season came in Dubai before she stunned observers by inflicting a first defeat of the year on Serena Williams in the final of the Family Circle Cup in Charleston.
She then defeated Clijsters in three sets to defend her title at the German Open before beating Williams again in a controversial semi-final at Roland Garros.
Disappointment followed at Wimbledon when Williams exacted revenge with a semi-final win but Henin-Hardenne shrugged off the disappointment to pick up the title in San Diego, again defeating Clijsters.
Henin-Hardenne boasts a solid record at Flushing Meadows, reaching the fourth round in each of the last three years, but she will hope to go further than that this year.
MMIX
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