http://www.henin-hardenne.be/bin/index.asp?lang=en SYDNEY: Titanic 13th 13/01/2006: Justine battled on Friday the 13th in the finals of the Medibank International to defeat Italian Francesca Schiavone. It was a titanic battle that lasted 3 hours, 2 minutes and 41 seconds 4-6 7-5 7-5. Tensions were high, and a dramatic stop of play for a mini rain delay when Justine was about to serve for the match at 15-0 in the final set added to the rollercoaster ride. Justine's semi-final form was highly impressive. Lack of match tournaments finally reared it's ugly head in the final. A nervy, excited, favoured to win Justine, battled with Italy's Francesca Schiavone who defeated big serving young Czech Nicole Vaidaisova in other semi-final the previous day. In a surprising first set the Italian won all of her service games, and watched the erratic Belgian unravel on unforced errors, and serving faults. Gasps all around, and the first set went to Schiavone 4-6 in 46 minutes. The second set looked to be over with Schiavone leading 1-4, but the character, grit, and resilience that marks Justine reputation in the tennis world came forth. Fighting with her back against the wall, the Belgian broke the Italian, and continued to battle as if every point was a matchpoint against herself. The second set went to Justine 7-5 at 66 minutes. The match had turned into a spectacle with the clock now officially nearing the two hour mark. Set number three continued in the same vein as the second, long rallies, deuce games, and do or die determination on every point. Justine seemed again to be on the brink of defeat of her Australian winning streak at 3-5 down, but fought, converted, and levelled at 5-5. She broke again, and was about to serve for the set, when the biggest surprise of the night happened, a mini rain delay at 6-5 15-0. The two players returned, and Justine served out her matchpoints. Set number three, 7-5 in 70 minutes. Final Score: 4-6 7-5 7-5 in 3 hrs 2 mins. 41 sec Justine has returned to the tour, and Friday the 13th nor rain can stop her. Good luck in Melbourne! --

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