Williams and Henin into Aussie decider
Thursday, 28 January 2010Justine Henin will face defending champion Serena Williams in the final of the Australian Open after both had straight-sets victories in their semi-finals.
Williams booked her place in the decider after beating China's Li Na in two tie-break sets.
The world number one was fully extended by the 16th seed, who was appearing in her first grand slam semi-final, before prevailing 7-6 (7/4) 7-6 (7/1) in just over two hours.
Li had showed her battling qualities in her comeback win over Williams' sister Venus on Wednesday and fended off four match points to frustrate the American's charge.
But Williams stamped her class on the contest when it counted most in each tie-beak to claim her 50th win at Melbourne Park.
The 28-year-old served out the match with an ace and let out a loud scream of delight after the closely-fought match.
'I had so many match points and I blew it. I knew on serve (in the tie-break) I had the chance to close it out and I did. I had to because she is an amazing fighter,' a relieved Williams said afterwards.
Justine Henin is one step away from completing a fairytale return from retirement after her easy victory over Zheng Jie on 6-1 6-0 scoreline.
It was a hugely disappointing end to Zheng's tournament after her countrywoman Li Na was also eliminated in her semi-final clash with Williams.
Henin is playing just her second tournament following a 20-month retirement and is on course to replicate fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters' remarkable return when she won the US Open after coming back from retirement and becoming a mother.
Henin's win today was the most routine of her difficult run to the final so far that has seen her overcome world number five Elena Dementieva, Yanina Wickmayer (16) and Nadia Petrova (19).
After Zheng held serve in the opening game Henin, who won at Melbourne Park in 2004, strung the next 12 games together to dominate her unseeded rival.
