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Henin serves up warning

May 2010 | by Monticelli

Justine Henin@Eastbourne 2007Justine Henin's capture of the Porsche Grand Prix title in May 2010 may not seem too astonishing, especially as the in-form player of the year, but it was the former world no1's inaugural singles crown since returning to the WTA Tour. 

And the Belgium, a wildcard entry at the Stuttgart event in Germany, propelled herself back in to the world's top 20 after the comfortable 6-4 2-6 6-1 success over Sam Stosur - Devonshire Park's favourite Australian and 2009 French Open semi-finalist - despite wearing a splint on a broken little finger. 

This was Henin's third singles final since returning to the circuit in January 2010, having twice finished runner-up Down Under. 

Champion Justine HeninSo it was fitting that she saw off an Australian to win a title, having finished second best at the 2010 Brisbane International and the 2010 Australian Open. 

Having missed 18 months on the Tour, Henin has constantly claimed that the reason for her second coming is because she desperately wants to win the Wimbledon singles title. 

This victory on clay will certainly give her a major boost prior to the 2010 French Open, having claimed four of her seven grand slam crowns at Roland Garros in Paris to become the undisputed "queen of clay". 

"It's been a fantastic week, everything was just perfect," smiled Henin. "It means a lot to me to win on clay. It's a great feeling. I've been waiting for this - it was important to win and very emotional." 

Henin and coach Rodrigues@Eastbourne 2007The Belgian ace explained that she became inspired by witnessing first-hand Swiss star Roger Federer winning the 2009 Porsche Grand Prix. 

She said: "It's very emotional to be back here, because one year ago I never expected to be back - last year brought back the fire." 

Although Henin is the only player to have a 100% winning record at Devonshire Park, the Belgian has not entered the 2010 AEGON International and her decision to play on grass before Wimbledon largely depends on her progress at the preceding French Open.

Henin is now among the favourites at 2010 Roland Garros, as her lethal forehand is back to its best with the ability to reel off groundstroke winners. 

Martina Navratilova said: "Henin's offence is just phenomenal, she's just head and shoulders above everyone else." 

Like all tournaments, Henin was avidly preparing with incredible precision on the practice courts in Germany but seemed to concentrate on perfecting her high topspin forehand. 

Henin practices@Eastbourne 2007This weapon of choice certainly helped her to seal success at Stuttgart and is a certain winner on clay courts, but is unlikely to have much effect on grass courts. 

And being a part-time player, like compatriot Kim Clijsters and the Williams sisters, should mean that Henin turns up for a shot at Wimbledon injury-free. However, she did break her little finger in April 2010 whilst practicing with the Belgium Federation Cup squad. 

“Maybe my broken finger brought me luck,” laughed Henin. “Life's amazing, when I broke my finger and I heard it was a fracture I didn’t know if I would even be able to come here. I decided to take my chance and would have to get used to playing with a splint - so it was a good decision." 

Despite Henin's style of play having not altered since her return to the circuit, with court coverage and footwork ideally suited to clay courts and helping her switch from a defensive to offensive style, the Belgian was starting to tune up her serve-and-volley game prior to her retirement.

2007 champ Justine HeninAs Eastbourne tennis fans can recall from the classic 2007 final, Henin totally dictated play to finish points off without lengthy rallies. Whether she will still be able to add that style to her weaponary on grass remains to be seen. 

But the Belgian star can cherry-pick tournaments and be virtually guaranteed a late wildcard entry as an ex-world no1 player, and Eastbourne would surely welcome back Henin.

No doubt her deadly single-handed backhand, lethal forehand and the ability to hit winners from any part of the court will prove too much for most opponents should Henin aim to maintain an unbeaten record at Devonshire Park.

Henin's offence is just phenomenal, she's just head and shoulders above everyone else

- Martina Navratilova