http://www.henin-hardenne.be/bin/index.asp?lang=en 12/11/2006: Tension was high at the Madrid Arena as the European royalty of womens tennis battled for the ultimate title as queen, and a spot in the finals. Justine defeated Maria Sharapova 6-2 7-6, and reclaimed her #1 ranking after two previous seasons of illness and injury preventing a full schedule of tournaments. The exact four players; Justine, Amelie Mauresmo, Maria Sharapova and Kim Clijsters also opened the year's first grand slam back in January at Melbourne, Australia as semi-finalists. Justine went onto win RG, play in the finals at Wimbledon, and the US Open. She became the only player to do so since Martina Hingis' jewel year in 1997. It has been one of the most competative womens tennis seasons in the history of the tour with ranking points close, distinct personalities, and stylish rivalry on the world stage. The match started with a hyper aggressive Justine, and she soared throughout the set with high flying serves, never missing a beat. It was the opposite of their previous meeting at the US OPEN in September as Sharapova unhinged with double faults. Justine out passed, out served, and out played Maria. A trepid, edgy and weary Sharapova lost the first set 6-2 in 34 minutes. Justine continued on her merry way in the second set until 5-3 when Sharapova started to play like the champion she is with immaculate serves and fighting spirit. An exciting run to the tiebreak kept the Spanish crowd enthralled as the suspense built with each player's turn on serve. At 4-4 in the tiebreaker Justine cut loose, and took her second match point 7-5. Final Score 6-2 7-6(7-5) 1hr 28 min and 55 sec Justine will play Amelie Mauresmo on Sunday closing the season off with her last chance to defeat the Frenchwoman in 2006 at a major final --

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