posted Apr 1, 2008

Serena played well, but far from her best; Henin was not as bad as some posters have said, but way below par. Flashes of brilliance from both, but Serena deserved her win, and making it look quite easy was testament to her quality of play.

It's good it redresses some of the balance of last year, when Serena lost her way against Justine a bit. They may have a few more good finals to play together.

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posted Apr 1, 2008

I am pleased to see Serena playing well again. Since playing the Hopman cup this year Serena has looked in much better shape, her weight seems to have decreased dramatically, especially around her legs. During the Australian Open (others have also pointed out) her backhand was tame and her movement was lazy. However today Serena looked well, her backhand most noticeable back to its devastating best. Her movement was also better than earlier in the year. Hopefully this is a sign of better things to come. Talking on Justine, she played fine; it was Serena who didn't allow her to play her normal game. Serena's good returns and improved backhand controlled the match. Henin was dominated. I was actually surprised how controlled Serena kept it out there today. Let’s hope Venus pulls through against Kuznetsova, if so we shall have yet another Williams Semi-final.

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posted Apr 1, 2008

Henin was not as bad as some posters have said,
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I'm afraid she was - when was the last time you saw her bagelled, and starting 3-0 down in the first set as well.

Trademark backhand was virtually non existent

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posted Apr 1, 2008

She was bagelled at the AO by Maria Sharapova.

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posted Apr 1, 2008

A top fit focused Serena is hardly beatable forget about the puppets!!!
I LIKE IT WHEN HENIN LOOSES!!une fois

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posted Apr 2, 2008

I,d forgotten the Aussie one Blueliner - its just so unusual - Interesting comments from Justine "too defensive".

I wonder if she is just lacking confidence.

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posted Apr 2, 2008

Yes, I would say confidence is definitely low for Henin. Sure, Serena played well, but not that much better than at the US Open last year. Henin just seems to have no self belief. Once she failed to win the first game, it was all downhill in terms of her mental approach. It is not that she CANNOT beat Serena, or anyone else in the world. But right now, she looks so shaky, it is amazing. I am a huge fan of hers and despair of what will happen if she doesn't find a way to get back to winning. Form wise, she's barely in the top 20 right now.

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posted Apr 2, 2008

I agree Cogent, Serena did play well but only to a level you might reasonably expect and she wasnt challenged overmuch so was able to dictate the game.

Confidence seems to be a huge factor for Henin who also seems to be struggling healthwise this season. Maybe she has created her own "Monster" with her 2007 results and is finding it difficult to keep it up.

If only she could relax and say " what the hell" instead of berating herself mentally.

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posted Apr 2, 2008

Wow!

That was a crushing defeat....

Yes, Serena played well, and made few mistakes. But Henin didn't trouble here at all! Was she having difficulty coping with the wind?

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posted Apr 2, 2008

I beleive that when Serena is fully focused. By that i mean, she has to be fit with no outside distractions (i.e. the whole Williams circus') she is by far the best player in the World

The problem is, due to various reasons,during the last 4 years this has rarely happened

If she is now fully focused, apart from the Frenceh, all the other Grand Slams may as well be given to her now!!

It's great news, i love the Williams 'gang' as they have a certain amount of personality that all sports need

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