US Open, Flushing Meadows Quarter-final result:
J HENIN (Bel) bt S WILLIAMS (US)
7-6 (7-3) 6-1
LATEST ACTION (ALL TIMES BST):
To get involved, text us on 81111 (UK users only)
 | 606: DEBATE |
Second set:
0302: That's your lot from me for tonight, but obviously we will have news of Nadal v Ferrer as and when that finishes. Possibly some time next week. Join us tomorrow when my colleague Caroline Cheese will be back in the chair, fresh from playing tennis with Greg Rusedski on Tuesday, no less. Fancy.
Henin 6-1 Serena
The end comes surprisingly quickly as Henin steps on the gas - as they say in America - to serve out to 15. That was a mightily impressive performance and maybe only Serena's sister has the firepower to stop Henin from taking the title.
Henin 5-1 Serena
Henin absolutely creams a backhand return to get to 15-40 and two break points, and Serena duly wallops a forehand wide to give up a second break.
Henin 4-1 Serena
Well, it's only one break of serve but the gap looks pretty big for Serena now. She has a chance at break point but cannot capitalise as she puts the ball in the net. A second break point is brilliantly saved by Henin with a couple of fearless backhands and a tricky smash.
Henin 3-1 Serena
Serena stays in touch, just about, with a shaky service hold but Henin looks pretty rampant in the rallies.
Henin 3-0 Serena
Henin comes through from 30-30 with some big serving and she looks incredibly focused tonight. Still, she's never beaten Serena on hard courts before so nerves could yet play part.
0231: "I'm a huge Justine fan. I hope she beats Serena and wins the US Open, she's hugely talented."
From Alex in Nottingham via text (It's looking pretty good for you right now)
Henin 2-0 Serena
Serena's mum, Oracene, looks bored beyond belief in the crowd. Her daughter, meanwhile, is on the brink as Henin attacks a second serve to break.
Henin 1-0 Serena
A straightforward hold for Henin and things are looking ominous for Serena right now.
0225: "I actually think the power on Henin's shots are greater than Serena's despite the contrast in the pair's figures. Where does Justine generate it from? Just looked in the mirror, I've gone so bald last few months!"
From Julian Jones, Wolverhampton, via text (Er, thanks Julian. Henin's power comes from a technique and timing. As for the baldness, might I suggest a good old-fashioned syrup?)
First set:
Henin 7-6 (7-3) Serena
Henin eeks out the first break to move 4-2 clear and comes up with two superb forehand winners to earn three set points at 6-3. The world number one takes the first of those and shouts "Allez!" as she skips back to the chair.
Henin 6-6 Serena
Henin is creaking a bit when a double fault and a poor backhand help Serena level at 30-30. The Belgian then sends a forehand long and it's set point to Serena, but Henin comes up with a hugely brave second serve down the centre line. A fourth double fault is soon followed by a third ace of the day and Henin forces the tie-break.
0210: "Hi piers, going for a serena win too here in wolverhampton. She's not shy so i reckon a victory here for her."
From Ben edge aka the benster, wolverhampton, via text
0209: "Why is it so slow to update? What's happening with Justine?"
From JF, Dover, via text (Each game is getting longer and longer, the two are so evenly matched at the moment)
Henin 5-6 Serena
The match is certainly living up to its billing. Serena blasts a huge service winner when break point down, then moments later finds an ace in the same situation. She just about holds off Henin, who is still coming up with winners from the back of the court. It's desperately close.
0201: "Likewise, first time I've texted in here too. Gutted Henin didn't win Wimbledon so I hope she thrashes Serena today and goes all the way."From JW, Nottingham, via text on 81111 (I'm starting to feel a bit like Jimmy Saville, making dreams come true...)
Henin 5-5 Serena
Henin is striking the ball fantastically well and moving Serena all over the place, which is not exactly the American's favourite way to play. The Belgian gets to 30-15 with a heavy-duty forehand but then double faults. We're soon at deuce, at which point we get the most spectacular rally that ends with Henin chasing down a smash and hitting a fizzing cross-court backhand from out of camera shot that just misses the line. Serena makes her pay with a huge return on the next point and we're all square.
0154: "Texting in just because you seem lonely Piers. Shout out to Ash Pain would be appreciated in return. Hope Henin wins by the way!"
From, er, Ash Pain via text (Don't worry, I tipped Serena so Henin is a sure thing)
Henin 5-4 Serena
Hard going for Serena, especially when she sees Henin hammer one forehand pass into her midriff, but the American hangs on.
0150: "I have 40 pence riding on serena's sturdy shoulders..... looks like the kids will have to go without lunch if she does not pull it together."
From Ahmed via text
Henin 5-3 Serena
Serena is furious when she nets a forehand at 30-15 down and the errors are coming at key times. Henin takes the game with an ace.
0146: "First time I've texted in, what a result if it gets put up! Can rub it in everyone's face. I think Serena will come back and win the last 2 sets. 6-1 in the last."
From Adam, Sussex, via text
Henin 4-3 Serena
Another love-service game for Serena.
0145: "I sure hope serena wins..."
From kk via text on 81111 (Cracking stuff, thanks)
Henin 4-2 Serena
Henin recovers from 15-40 to take a big game. There is some huge hitting from both players but the game ends when Serena Smacks a drive volley long and lets out a blood-curdling scream.
Henin 3-2 Serena
It's a pretty mixed bag from Serena, who lets a 40-0 lead slip with some sloppy errors before gathering herself and serving her way out of trouble from deuce. Don't think I haven't noticed the lack of texts, by the way. A poor show.
Henin 3-1 Serena
Serena gets the crowd going with a decent backhand but Henin is unruffled, firing down two big serves to take the game. She gives us the first "Allez!" of the day.
Henin 2-1 Serena
Serena gets off the mark with a much better game. Martina Navratilova looks on from the stands impassively, probably thinking they should both be chipping and charging a lot more.
Henin 2-0 Serena
Henin is skipping around like a new-born lamb, in contrast to Serena who looks a bit heavy-legged in the very early stages. The American tries to shake herself out of it by heading to the net but comes up with a truly terrible volley that lands outside the tram lines.
Henin 1-0 Serena
There's an early scare for Serena who saves a break point with a big serve but Henin is not to be denied, taking her second opportunity by thumping away a volley suspiciously close to her opponent's body. The Belgian screams in delight and looks really pumped up.
0120: The first real heavyweight clash of the championships has arrived and it feels like finals night on Arthur Ashe Stadium. It is the third consecutive Grand Slam event at which these two have met in 2007, with Henin winning both encounters at the French Open and Wimbledon. The Belgian holds a 6-5 lead overall.
However, Serena has won all three times they have met on hard courts, including an epic win in Miami earlier this year.
And the New York crowd will be heavily behind their woman, as opposed to the experience Serena has endured more than once in Paris where Henin is treated like a local favourite. Indeed, Henin has repeatedly said how she doesn't really like New York, which may not have gone down well.
E-mail this to a friend 
Printable version 
Bookmark with:
What are these?