Justine Henin Beats Maria Sharapova At Madrid
By Ken Miller, Lawn Tennis Correspondent, Posted: Sunday, November 11, 2007 8:15pm CST USA
Photo by Daniel Ochoa de Olza/AP
Madrid--(lawntennismag.com) Sunday world number one Justine Henin of Belgium rebounded from dropping the first set to defeat
Maria Sharapova of Russia 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 in the longest three-set final in the history of the tournament.
"What a way to finish the season," said Henin. "I just enjoy my tennis so much and I just wish I can keep playing like that for
more years."
It was a fitting end to a thrilling season for Henin in which she would capture the French Open and US Open singles titles. Henin
has not lost a match since Wimbledon, winning 25 matches in a row. Steffi Graf holds the longest win streak on the WTA Tour with
38 matches won in a row in 1989.
"I played with my heart," Henin said. "I had to find the resources, mentally and physically, but I think it's a match everyone will
remember." Henin became the first player to win the French Open, US Open and season ending championships since
Graf in 1996.
Sharapova entered the tournament following a nearly two month injury break due to a shoulder injury, but was able to play well
enough to reach the final. "It's an honor to play against her," said Sharapova, who the event in her 2004 debut. "I hope we can play
a few more times. I hope I can get my revenge a few more times."
The WTA Tour's season ending tournament moves to Doha, Qatar next year, where it will be played through the year 2010.
