Henin through to Qatar final

Players Under the Microscope / Editor / 03 March 2007 / Leave a Comment

World number one Justine Henin admitted she needs more tennis despite booking her place in the Qatar Open final.

Henin, who made a delayed start to her season after splitting from her husband late last year, beat Jelena Jankovic 6-7 (5-7) 6-2 6-4 to remain on course for her second consecutive tournament win following her Dubai Duty Free Women's Open success last week over Amelie Mauresmo.

Henin fought hard in the first set but was eventually edged out - but she broke three times in a more comfortable second set before wrapping up the match after breaking her opponent again.

"I think I need some tennis," said Henin. "I am happy to stay longer on the court, but it is always better to win in two sets.
"You need to keep fighting and I needed this kind of a match to get my confidence back.

"I am very happy with the way I kept fighting. I wasn't playing very well, but I came back very strongly.
"I had my chances in the first set, but did not take those opportunities.

"In the second set I played much better and in the third set I had control of the match, even though it was hard to keep my serve. I remained very aggressive on the return."

Henin will face Svetlana Kuznetsova, who beat Daniela Hantuchova 6-4 6-2, in the final and is trading at 1.35 to take the honours. Kuznetsova is available at 3.55 to upset Henin and claim victory.