Henin And Williams In Australian Open Final

Sports News - January 28th, 2010 - Written By Bryan

The first Grand Slam final of the year is set. Top seed Serena Williams will face unseeded, former No.1 player, Justin Henin, for the Australian Open title. Williams advances to her fifth career final in Sydney, where she has won in her four previous chances. Henin retired from the game a year and a half ago, before announcing her comeback to tennis in September. This is her second tournament since returning to the game she once dominated.

Williams was able to fend off Li Na of China, who defeated Williams sister, Venus, in the quarterfinals. In the semifinal match-up, Williams squandered four potential match points, but was able to defeat Na in straight sets, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1).

"I really should have won sooner. I had so many match points and I blew it and I knew I couldn't mess up my serve because she never gives up," Williams said in a post-match interview. "She's a real, real amazing fighter. Every time I had match points she came up with some big serves and great shots. She just goes for broke."

Henin cruised through her semifinal match against Zheng Jie, also of China, 6-1, 6-0, in a match that lasted a mere 51 minutes. It was the quickest match of the entire event.

"I can't wait for the final. It's such an amazing chance that I have to play another final in Melbourne," Henin remarked after the semifinal victory. "It's a very special occasion, but the dream continues. I'm going to play the No. 1 player in the world in a Grand Slam final. She's a real fighter."

Henin and Williams have matched up on 13 previous occasions, with Williams controlling the slight edge, 7-6.

Williams looks to repeat as Australian Open champion for the first time in her career. She will also be playing the the finals for the women's doubles championship with her sister Venus.

Together, Henin and Williams have combined for 18 grand slam titles. Williams has 11, while Henin has seven. Henin last won the Australian Open in 2004. She received a wild-card exemption to this year's event.

Williams hopes to have better luck this time around against a player making a comeback to tennis. She faced Kim Clijsters in a semifinal in last years U.S Open, in which she lost. Clijsters was making her comeback to tennis, following a two-year absence from the sport.

Oddsmakers are unsure which player they give the edge to winning the Australian Open. In fact, Bodog has set both Henin and Williams at even odds, as both have been installed at -115, according to the Tennis Betting Lines.