Henin-Hardenne claims victory over Davenport

By Chris Davies
January 27 2004

Lindsay Davenport blew her chances of gaining her second Australian Open crown by throwing away a first set lead and the chance to claim revenge for last years quarter-final defeat to Justine Henin-Hardenne, but failed

The American fifth seed lost a 4-0 lead in the first set and held 3 set points at 5-3 but the Belgian battled back to claim the first set 7-5.

Henin-Hardenne is looking for her first Australian Open title and looks in hot form after a sluggihsh week and a half.

The world number one has upped her challenge sending a warning out to Kim Clijsters and possibly Myskina who Kim faces tomorrow.

Once Henin-Hardenne got into the swing of things in the second set there was no stopping, making fantastic winners and shaping her game up winning 6-3.

Davenport afterwards was a bit disappointed after roaring ahead and not consolidating the chances she had in the first set.

But will look towards the Masters Series tournaments to capture some true form and re-establish her stats on the tour.

Fabiola Zuluaga will now play the petite Belgian when Amelie Mauresmo was forced to withdraw from their Quarter-final match due to a back injury.

The Colombian who has played magnificent tennis has the potential to upset the top seed but the occasion may get the better of her.

The injury occurred in the match against Alicia Molik when reaching for a volley, consequently it triggered a muscle tear in the lower back area.
Doctors told her if she had played then it could take up to 2 months to heal.