Sydney: Serena Williams Australian Open 2010: Serena Williams Beats Justine Henin to clinch the final. Ace tennis player Serena Williams won her fifth Australian Open title by beating Justine Henin 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 at Rod Laver Arena.
By winning this title she has become the first woman tennis player to repeat as champion since 2002. She was at her best in the final, completely dominating the game. The unranked Belgian was unable to stand the onslaught unleashed by Williams.
The 28-year-old Williams won 12 Grand Slam singles titles. The other player to achieve this feat is her fellow American Billie Jean King.
While collecting the winner’s trophy she said: “Billie, we’re tied, so I’ve reached my goal.”
Williams’ journey to the final was not a cakewalk. She had to struggle to defeat Victoria Azarenka ranked number 7. The quarterfinal was a tough one. At times it looked that she would be tossed out of the tournament. But she fought back, winning 6-4, 4-0.
On the other hand Henin, who has won Grand Slam seven times, was satisfied by her performance because she was making a comeback after a 20-month retirement. When she was at the peak of her career (number 1) she quit the game. That’s why she needed a wild-card invitation for playing in the tournament.
“I also know the way is still long in terms of where I want to go as a tennis player, and I know I’ll have to work harder,” Henin said told reporter. “And I’m gonna do it, for sure.”
