Henin vs Williams – Women’s Tennis Final at Australian Open

It’s Grand Slam final weekend at the Australian Open, and the women’s final will be up first in the early morning on Saturday. The defending Champion Serena Williams plays Justine Henin, who is enjoying her first Grand Slam back after coming out of retirement. Henin has provided some sublime entertainment throughout the tournament, and now the Women’s Draw will culminate in a renewed rivalry between Henin (7 times Grand Slam winner) and Serena Williams. Justine Henin has won the Australian Open once, back in 2004 and has only recently returned to flight action after her presence was missed for a couple of years. Most of Henin’s recent work has been for charitable causes with Unicef.

Serena Williams has won the Australian Open four times, and is looking to secure the title back to back for the first time in her career. The World Number, who won the Women’s Doubles Title with her sister on Friday, was expected to have plain sailing through the tournament. She had to fight back from the brink of defeat in her Quarter Final match against Victoria Azaranka, being almost down and out. She proved her champions status by battling her way to back to victory. Both Williams and Henin had unexpected Chinese opponents in the semi final, and Williams again made hard work of her challenge. She could not get into any flow against Li Na, and was pushed very hard for a scrappy victory. Henin didn’t have anything like those problems as simply blitzed through her semi final match against a plucky Jie Zheng.

This is probably the big Final clash which the fans Down Under have been waiting for. They have encountered each other many times before with Henin leading the head to head battle by one game. This is not a rivalry borne out of bitterness, it is one out of respect for the level of opposition. They have produced some classic encounters over the years although never in the final, and the big question will be, can Justine Henin replicated what below country woman Kim Clijsters did last year at the US Open? Clijsters won the US Open in her first tournament back after retirement. Can Henin repeat the feat?

Looking at Henin’s game throughout the tournament, she has had her back against the wall, but, because she was a wild card entry, has had to play more higher level opposition to get to the final than her opponent has. The two players could not differ more in stature. Henin is small, petite and it is amazing where she finds the power from, unlike the eldest Williams sister, who personifies the physical and robust warrior like presence on the court. She has the factor of intimidation, but if there is one player who can get past the physical differences and rely on unbridled skill and determination, then it is Justine Henin. There will more than just power needed to win the title, there will be a great mental battle ensuing as well.

Williams won’t lie down though, as she chases Billie Jean King’s record of 12 Grand Slam Titles. Her form over the last couple of matches though will give Henin great heart that she can complete the unexpected. If there was one final match-up that could have been picked ahead of the tournament, then it more likely than not, have been this one. Henin, at times, has understandably looked to be struggling physically, and that is a weakness which she can’t afford to show to her final opponent. With her easy semi final victory though, Henin, age 27, should be primed and ready to go.

Williams, the title holder, will start as slight favourite, although the bookies seem a bit torn.
Serena William to win: 10/11 at SkyBet
Justine Henin to win: Evens at Bet365

For funded account holders with Bet365, there will be the opportunity to watch the final live via their streaming service. Bet365 have been showing all of the action from Melbourne, and it is a wonderful opportunity to explore Live In-Play betting. Don’t forget that it’s Andy Murray v Roger Federer in the early hours of Sunday morning in the men’s final. Bet365 is there for their punters providing great online sports service and prices.