Justine Henin Beats Maria Sharapova - What a Thriller

What a match to end the season! World No 1 Justine Henin finally prevailed over Russia’s Maria Sharapova 5-7 7-5 6-3 in a three-set thrilling marathon match that lasted 3 hours and 25 minutes. Both were visibly exhauset in the third set and at some point Maria needed a medical attention for swallowing and breathing difficulties. Both players deserve a credit for fighting all the way for the match. Sharapova can hold her head up high with her performance and congratulations to Justine Henin. She once again proved that she is the best female tennis player on tour!

Here is what the players said after the match.

Sharapova: “It has been an incredible year. She is someone who has gone through so much in life this year and it is an honor to play against her.The crowd have been fantastic. It’s been a difficult year, with a lot of injuries - two weeks ago I didn’t know if I was going to play here and so to get to the final is a surprise.”

Henin: “It was tough. She was playing very well in the first set. I was nervous and frustrated that I didn’t come back to 6-6. In the second set I came back. It was a tough last game - we were both dead, but what a way to finish the season. It is a dream what has happened to me this season. I have learned a lot of things this year. I have enjoyed my tennis, but it’s been emotional.”

With a win over Maria Sharapova in today’s final at the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid, Spain, Henin becomes the first women’s player to go unbeaten after Wimbledon since Steffi Graf in 1989.

In addition to defending her crown, Justine also takes home the winner’s check of $1 million.