http://eastbourne.lta.org.uk/News/060624Finals2.htm Justine Henin-Hardenne Wins Thrilling Final Justine Henin-Hardenne is the 2006 Hastings Direct International Champion after a memorable three-set win over Russian Anastasia Myskina, 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(5). In one of the most entertaining finals in recent years, both players produced top class tennis in front of a packed Centre Court. Henin-Hardenne, on the back of her French Open victory earlier this month, made the more assured start and took a 4-2 first set lead. However, fifth seed Myskina then produced a series of stunning ground-strokes and won the next four games to wrap up the first set in 41 minutes. After trading breaks at the start of the second, Henin-Hardenne started to stamp her authority on proceedings and comfortably won the second set 6-1, levelling the match at one-set-all. However, to her great credit, Myskina quickly rediscovered her touch and a tense third set eventually went to a tie-break after Henin-Hardenne failed to convert three match points when leading 6-5. The Belgian eventually wrapped-up the tie-break 7-5, along with the Championship, in a minute under two hours. A sell-out Devonshire Court crowd of 5,432, basking in the afternoon sunshine, had been treated to a feast of world-class tennis. After winning the Hastings Direct trophy at the first attempt, Henin-Hardenne acknowledged that the final could have gone either way. She said: “I was too defensive in the first set, even at 4-2. At the beginning of the second set I came forward more and attacked. Anastasia is back to her best, I saw her practice and she has a great game for grass. She tried everything, played a great match and she could have won it.” The delighted champion went on to praise the tournament and indicated that it wouldn’t be the last time the Eastbourne public sees her in action. “The week has very good organisation, all the players are relaxed and it’s a great tournament. The courts are perfect, it’s great preparation for Wimbledon and I’ll come back for sure.” Despite not picking up the trophy, Myskina was happy with the way she played this week. “It was a great tournament for me and I played really, really good and showed that I can have a great year. I’m hungry, I want to win again and I’m pretty close to my best form. I’ve been working really hard, I ’ve got a bigger team around me and everything is good.” [24.06.06] --

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