For the first time in her career, Justine Henin has won the Proximus Diamond Games.
In the final on Sunday she beat the Italian Karin Knapp in two sets. The final was the 57th in the career of 25-year-old Henin, and the second time she’s reached this stage at the Proximus.
Henin lost to Venus Williams in 2002.
This was the first WTA tournament final of 22-year-old Knapp’s career.
Knapp wasn't nervous and won the first game at love. She might even have broken in the second game, but—as opposed to previous performances—Henin didn't need a set and a half to get going.
After a game and a half, Henin took charge of the match.
She outdid the break and on her turn broke through Knapp's in the third game. Henin often charged the net, but was sometimes passed by Knapp, who showed a strong serve.
Henin gave all she had to destabilize the world's No. 47, and after 42 minutes she had won the first set, 6-3.
But her serve percentage dropped considerably in the second set and Henin had to work her way through two break points. Knapp served well, but was too insecure at the decisive moments, unable to really threaten her opponent.
A break in the sixth game was enough for Henin to decide the match at twice 6-3, winning her first title at the Proximus Diamond Games. She succeeds Amélie Mauresmo.
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