Henin-Hardenne did not drop a set on her way to winning the title

The Belgian retained her title and claimed a fifth Grand Slam crown with a 6-4 6-4 win.

"The difference is how you manage your nerve," she said. "No one sleeps well the day before a Grand Slam final.

"During these two weeks I have been able to accept that some things were not going my way. I have been able to turn situations by keeping calm."

Report: Henin-Hardenne wins title

It was not Henin-Hardenne's best display by any means and she admitted: "I have not played my best tennis, neither today nor during the tournament."

The Belgian, who was sidelined for months during 2004 with an energy-sapping illness, also said was she exhausted after her run to a third Roland Garros title in four years.

It was the same picture as usual when I play against Justine Svetlana Kuznetsova

"I lose a lot of energy during a Grand Slam because I cannot sleep well," she said. "Physically I did suffer a lot. I was feeling very tired.

"When she came back into the match I tried to play point after point, but I played my best in the crucial games."

Kuznetsova said that a string of errors in the opening stages, particularly on her more potent forehand, were key to her defeat.

"I was just overdoing it," she said. "I just missed my chances. I had so many of them. If you don't use your chances, you don't win matches."

The Russian has now lost 11 of her 12 matches against Henin-Hardenne.

"It was the same picture as usual when I play against Justine, it seemed so similar to other matches.

"I didn't use the chances I had and she hit the lines with her serve at some important moments.