Posted at 6:10 a.m., Thursday, June 7, 2007
Henin wins, aims for three in a row at French Open
By Jerome Pugmire
Associated Press
Henin will meet Ana Ivanovic on Saturday. Ivanovic beat Maria Sharapova, 6-2, 6-1, in the other semifinal today.
"I was expecting a very tough match," Henin said. "I was wary after our last five matches. I'm happy to get through to my fourth final at Roland Garros."
In their only previous meeting two years ago, Henin beat Ivanovic in straight sets on clay in Warsaw, Poland.
Henin improved to 6-0 against Jankovic head-to-head, including a win in the semifinals of last year's U.S. Open. But it was the first time the Serb had lost in straight sets to Henin, who also won in Paris in 2003.
"It was disappointing for me to lose like this," Jankovic said. "But I think Justine was a way better player than I was today. All credit to her, she played really well, flawless."
Jankovic rallied midway through the second set, and Henin had to save a break point before moving ahead 5-2. Jankovic double-faulted to go 15-40 down on her serve and give Henin two match points.
She won at the first attempt when Jankovic's forehand sailed long. Henin clenched her fist and blew a kiss to the crowd.
