Justine Henin - Australian Open Women's Tennis Players
The current
world no.1 in women's tennis, Justine Henin, is looking in awesome form
following her straight sets victory at the US Open in 2007, her second Grand
Slam title of the year. Earlier in the year she destroyed Ana Ivanovic, without
dropping a set, to claim her third consecutive French Open title.
Known as the "Roger Federer of women's tennis", the highly versatile Belgian looks set to give all Australian Open 2008 women's tennis players a real run for their money.
Although she turned professional in 1999, it was only in 2003 that Justine Henin claimed her first Grand Slam title by defeating fellow Belgian, Kim Clijsters, in two sets at the French Open.
She then went on to defeat Clijsters again at the US Open, stealing the coveted no. 1 spot. She took the Australian Open 2004, again defeating the hapless Clijsters, and snapped up the French Open crown yet again, in 2005 – leading to her tenth consecutive final win.
Early in 2006, Justine Henin retired from the Australian Open final against Amelie Mauresmo, due to injury problems. She did, however, manage to defend her French Open title, joining her idol, Steffi Graf, as the only 2 women in history to have done so.
She withdrew from the Australian Open 2007, citing personal reasons. She has since divorced her husband, and has successfully worked on an acrimonious relationship with her immediate family, which resulted in them being present at her matches for the first time in her professional career.
She is in dominant form, and although women's tennis players the Williams' sisters and Maria Sharapova have had the better of her in the past, the odds are that the tiny Belgian will claim her 8th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open 2008, adding to her 2004 victory, becoming the top Australian Open women's tennis player yet again. For live tennis betting and odds we use William Hill, one of the world's largest and most reputable betting companies.
Known for her incomparable intelligence on court and her pinpoint accuracy, Justine Henin is probably best known for her single-handed backhand, which is said to be one of the most powerful and accurate in tennis.
She has the rare ability of being able to disguise this signature shot, often surprising her opponents with excellent drop shots. She usually uses her very dangerous forehand to dictate play and although tiny, she exhibits a powerful serve, which has been recorded at 124mph. Her court coverage, footwork and balance, as well as her technical proficiency, make her very difficult to beat.
Justine Henin fact file:
- To date she has pocketed US$17 665 995 in overall prize money
- She has won 7 Grand Slam titles – 4 French Open, 1 Australian Open and 2 US Open titles
- In 2003 she was named ITF women's singles world champion
- She became the first woman, since Martina Hingis, to reach the finals of all 4 Grand Slams in a calendar year, in 2006
- At the 2007 US Open, she became only the 2nd player in history to defeat both Venus and Serena Williams in a Grand Slam
Of the Australian Open Women's singles players, Justine Henin is looking tops! To place a bet on this event we recommend William Hill for the best tennis betting experience.
