Henin survives Williams scrap

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 05 July 2007 / Leave a Comment

Justine Henin said she had no intention of underestimating number 18 seed Mariam Bartoli in their Wimbledon semi-final after coming through her "fight" with Serena Williams.

Two-time winner Williams put in a brave performance despite struggling with a calf injury, which appeared at times to restrict her movement, but eventually crashed out at the end of a one and three-quarter hours slug-fest 6-4 3-6 6-3.
World number one Henin refused to get caught up in the controversy surrounding Williams - and even played down the American's problems.

"I didn't see that she had a lot of trouble to move," said the 25-year-old.
"Maybe in the beginning of the match, but after that I think she could run pretty well, especially on drop-shots and everything. She served great."

Williams and Henin have never been the best of friends since an acrimonious French Open semi-final tussle in 2003 when the tearful US star accused her opponent of gamesmanship.

But world number one Henin was glad of Wednesday's Centre Court battle of the heavyweights and hoped it would stand her in good stead for the rest of the competition.

"It's been tough on the nerves today," admitted Henin afterwards. "It was mentally a very difficult match and I am happy to come through. Yeah, it's been a good fight."

The French Open champion is the overwhelming 1.04 favourite on Betfair's Match Odds market against the huge outsider Bartoli (21) - but insisted she would not take her opponent lightly.

"I'm still going match after match," she added. "It is going to be another tough match. On paper I'm going to be the favourite, but it will be the same story on the court."

The in-form Belgian is also the 1.46 favourite to make it third time lucky and win her first Wimbledon crown.