HENIN-HARDENNE BEATS SHARAPOVA TO WIN DUBAI TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS http://www.dubaitennischampionships.com/news29.htm Justine Henin-Hardenne won her third Dubai Tennis Championships title on Saturday when she fought off a determined challenge from Russian teenager Maria Sharapova to win 7-5 6-2. It was her second title this year, and she has now won all 12 matches she has played in Dubai. “It’s an amazing feeling,” said Henin-Hardenne. “It’s great, because I didn’t know really what to expect before coming here after my little health problems in Australia. I’m very happy the way it ends, for sure. “It’s been a tough week even though I won all my matches in two sets. It’s been pretty hard with the rain and the waiting, and it’s a great feeling to have two victories already this year, and that gives a lot of confidence.” Sharapova, who was playing in her first final since June, held the advantage after holding off two break points at 3-3 and then breaking to lead 5-3 when her opponent mis-hit a backhand. But Sharapova was unable to serve out the set as the Belgian claimed the next four games. Henin-Hardenne then broke to lead 3-2 in the second set when Sharapova netted a forehand from the Belgian's fierce return, and the 2003 and 2004 Dubai champion broke again to lead 5-2 with a tremendous backhand winner on the run. “I think it was high quality, especially in the first set,” said Henin-Hardenne. “Both of us were playing very well. Maria put a lot of pressure on myself, especially from the beginning to 5-3. “I was a little bit too far from my baseline, but as soon as I put one step forward and maybe tried to play a little bit more in the centre she didn’t have the angles. “So that made a big difference, and I was able to stay aggressive in the second set and take my opportunities.” Sharapova was obviously disappointed, but appreciated she’d had a good week. “I played great tennis this week,” she said. “It was a tremendous effort for me to be able to play two really tough matches yesterday and still play a high level of tennis today. “In the first set it was just one or two balls didn’t go my way I guess, and then after that I was physically from yesterday. “I was feeling my legs were getting a little tired and I wasn’t moving as well as I was at the beginning of the match.” The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Play continues from 27th February to 4th March with the ATP event featuring Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Andre Agassi, Marat Safin and Tim Henman. --

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