Pierre's Tennisrulz Blog (get your own blog here)

Sunday, November 12, 2006

Justine comes up with another miracle

Hello to everyone. I know, I know, it's been a long time since I posted an update for my blog, not being very regular. I guess many things could be talked about and there are some pretty good chances that I'll write about the Kremlin Cup soon as that in itself was quite an experience (good and bad!). For those who didn't know, I made a nice little trip in Russia and China and like most trips I make, I had included some tennis, this time, a visit to the Kremlin Cup in Moscow. Anyway, all for now, I will move on to the subject of this post, Justine's performance this year.

2006 has been a year filled with great and bad things for Justine. After a tough start in Australia (amid all the controversy when she withdrew during the singles final).

But this week was pretty unique. After having a huge letdown during the Fed Cup final, Justine was out of action for several weeks. Now, we all know that coming back is hard on any occasion. Think of Serena Williams coming back in Australia a few years ago and winning the Australian Open in her first event back. Or even earlier, Kim came back a couple weeks ago and won her first event back in Hasselt.

There is however one major difference. In those instances and pretty much all similar ones, these players had the time to adjust by playing some weaker players to start their runs. They would play 3 set matches against players they would normally crush. Justine did not have that luxury. She was playing in Madrid with the other 7 top players in the world, no easy task. To see her come out of the event with the singles title, only one loss (coming in her last round robbin match when she was sure to move on anyway) is quite an accomplishment.

"(This week) was a tough challenge for me and I really didn't know what to expect, and then I come, I win. I finish the year No.1. So what can I ask more? I'm just so happy right now. It's (an) unbelievable feeling."

Indeed, it is an amazing accomplishment. It has been discussed many times in the past how different Kim Clijsters and Justine are (see Todd Spiker's comments here) and while I prefer watching Kim play, there is no doubt that this week is another incredible example of Justine Henin-Hardenne's unique determination and resolve to get things done.

Thanks to this win, she will finish 2006 as the #1 player in the world. And honestly, who could argue? She made the final of all 4 slam tournaments (winning in Paris), won the year end Sony Ericsson Championships and came within one set of leading her team to a Fed Cup win... truly amazing, Bravo Justine.

# posted by Pierre : 4:07 PM  

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