Preview of the Belgian Clash

By Chris Davies
June 6 2003

The first ever All-Belgian final with the great Kim Clijsters against the equally fantastic Justine Henin-Hardenne, one will win their first ever Grand Slam Crown but who will it be?

(2) Kim Clijsters (BEL) v (4) Justine Henin-Hardenne (BEL)

Who would have thought that this day has actually arrived with these Belgian superstars both being in the final of a Grand Slam and probably their favourite one aswell.

Kim had a big dilemma against Maleeva losing the first set 6-0 and Henin-Hardenne had a tough time against Patty Schnyder and Serena Williams.

The last time these players met was at the final of the German Open where Henin-Hardenne overcame her compatriot to win the title for a second time but Clijsters could have and should have won it being 5-4 up in the third set but lost it 7-5. The 21 year old Henin-Hardenne who is having a fantastic season beating world number one Serena Williams twice whereas Kim has not beaten Williams once this year and could be in big trouble has Justine is in the groove. They both have tremendous shots with a lot of power which could see them reign supreme for years has they have now truely caught up with the Williams sisters.

Henin-Hardenne will want revenge on her friend having lost in the semi-final in 2001 at Roland Garros and Clijsters will be weary of that fact. It is very difficult to pick a winner has their games are on such highs right now and could come down to physical fitness which would go the world number 2's way eventhough she has been playing doubles she is taller and more muscular and also did not play a very tough and draining match in the semi-finals. Mentally though I think Henin-Hardenne is at the top right now and if she secures this title her mental strength will grow which could she her having a complete different perspective on the tennis court when she comes up against the "unbeatable" Serena Williams.

Clijsters will have fond memories when she played the final in 2001 going 12-10 in the final set against Jennifer Capriati and could easily go a long way in the third this time around again and Clijsters will win.

My prediction would be: Kim Clijsters to win. If it goes into a hardfought 3 set match Clijsters will win going the distance in each set and very long rallies but a fantastic match!