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Henin ousts Sharapova to make Australian final
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-26 14:24 Eighth seed Justine
Henin-Hardenne fought back to overpower Russia's Maria Sharapova 4-6 6-1 6-4 on
Thursday and reach the Australian Open final.
The Belgian, who won in Melbourne in 2004 but missed last year through
injury, ground fourth seed Sharapova down to extend an extraordinary winning
streak in Australia to 20 matches, closing out their hard-fought semi-final
after two hours 26 minutes.
The French Open champion served for the match in the ninth game of the
decider but stumbled slightly before recovering to break Sharapova in the next
game and claim the match with a blistering backhand winner down the line.
Henin-Hardenne will play either compatriot and second seed Kim Clijsters, who
she beat for the 2004 title, or third seed Amelie Mauresmo in Saturday's
final.
Justine
Henin-Hardenne of Belgium hits a forehand during her match against Maria
Sharapova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne
January 26, 2006. Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached
the final game.[Reuters] |
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Maria Sharapova of
Russia reacts during her loss to Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium at the
Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2006.
Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached the final
game.[Reuters] |
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Justine
Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, left, shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of
Russia after their semifinla match at the Australian Open Tennis
tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006.
Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached the final game.
[AP] |
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