http://www.henin-hardenne.be/bin/index.asp?lang=en DUBAI: The Falcon Soars Again! 26/02/2006: Justine soared to victory for her third Dubai trophy on Saturday night to a standing room only venue by defeating Maria Sharapova in a breathtaking match of tennis extravagance 7-5 6-2. This was Justine's first tournament played since her Australian Open final retirement. She will move up to #4 on Monday's WTA rankings, swapping places with Maria Sharapova "I'm very happy with the ending. It was a tough week for me, even though I won every match in two sets. It was hard with the rain too, trying to remain patient and still focus on the matches. This victory has given me a lot of confidence, for sure." - Justine Still mending her stomach, and shoulder problems, Justine had only 10 days of practice sessions to tune-up for Dubai. The elite tournament draw of 32 featured no less than seven grand slam champions. Intentions were optismistic, but expectations were surpassed with another brilliant match against Maria Sharapova; this time in a final. An odd rain soaked Thursday caused havoc on schedules, the quarterfinals, and semi-finals were played on Friday. The final wasn't a letdown, it turned out to be stupendous. Energy flowed from both players, heighthen with a vocal crowd with Justine having more sway in support. The first set started with both players holding solid service games. Sharapova was quoted all week that "revenge" was in order to all of her previous conquerors. The America based Russian led at 5-3 playing a tactically smarter, and different match than her usual bang from the baseline mode. Sharapova was severely rattled about a questionable line call. Justine swooped down, and won the next 4 games in a row. She used her full arsenal that included amazing power forehands, signature 1-handed backhands that left the audience escatic. Justine won the first set 7-5. There was a lull in the early portion of the second set. Justine's level of play never dropped, but Maria clearly was losing touch, and patience. At 2-2 the second set was the Henin-Hardenne show, much to the delight of the appreciative crowd that welcomed the return of Belgian champion to Dubai. Sharapova dropped games with highly un-charateristic pressured doublefaults on her usual immaculate serves. Justine flew away, and won the match on her first matchpoint. Final score: 7-5 6-2 in 1hr 44min "There was a very high quality in the first set. Maria was playing very aggressively and I think she brought out the best in me. I had to raise my level if I wanted to stay with her. They key was patience in the long rallies, and being aggressive as soon as I got the right ball. I fought very hard and I'm proud of the fact that I showed I'm a real competitor and stayed positive the whole time. This match was terrific for women's tennis, I think. The public was fantastic." - Justine The weeks ahead promise more beautiful duels as Justine soars to even greater heights, and victories. She'll return back to Monaco, then head to Indian Wells, California next weekend. We'll have more news, stories, and Justine right here. Don't miss it! --

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