Justine Henin-Hardenne fought off a tremendous effort from qualifier Mara Santangelo to advance to the Australian Open quarter-finals in straight sets. When she raced through the first set in 28 minutes, it looked likely to be a routine rollover for Henin-Hardenne.
But Santangelo found some inspired play that belied her ranking of 129 and her forehand tested Henin-Hardenne.
But she squandered a set point at 5-4 with a nervy shot and Henin-Hardenne went on to win 6-1 7-6 (7-5).
"I'm happy to be in the quarters - it wasn't an easy match," said Henin-Hardenne.
"I won the first set pretty easily, with a lot of intensity, then, at one-all in the second, the intensity came down a little and she just took her chances - it was a big fight in the second set."
Henin-Hardenne's quarter-final opponent is Lindsay Davenport, who she beat in the fourth round last year after overcoming cramps and a 4-1 third-set deficit. "Lindsay is a great champion," said Henin-Hardenne.
"I don't see myself like the biggest favourite in this match because Lindsay has a lot of experience and she beat me many times."
MMIX
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