2010 French Open Preview: Will Justine Henin Once Again Be The Queen Of Clay?

By
at Internationaled.org

Published: April 5, 2010

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Indian Wells brought doubts about the status of the Belgian resurgence in tennis. Had we been too quick, when we expected both Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin to be back, dominating and winning? Clijsters was demolished at the Australian Open and both she and Henin suffered early, surprising loses at the Indian Wells—along with almost every other top player that is. 

Miami saw both of them back at their best and by this time, most doubts about their level, fitness and mentality seem to be unjust. Clijsters is back in the top 10 and Henin, having played just four tournaments, is up at number 23.

Before she retired, Henin was the undisputed Queen of Clay. Clay belonged to her almost to the same degree as it belongs to Rafael Nadal on the men's side. Henin was essentially playing like Roger Federer, winning like Nadal. She won four out of five French Open titles from 2003-2007, the exception being 2004 where she was still recovering from a tiresome virus. 

This year, Wimbledon remains her top priority as that one elusive Grand Slam title that convinced her to come back from her retirement. But why not earn titles at Rome, Madrid and Paris while preparing? Surely it can't hurt her confidence. 

So who's there to challenge the Queen of Clay?

Last year saw Dinara Safina and Svetlana Kuznetsova splitting the big clay titles between them, often while meeting in the finals. Kuznetsova took Roland Garros, while Safina took Rome and Madrid. Safina hasn't really been the same since and has spent the best part of the last six months suffering from a back injury. She is scheduled to play in Stuttgart, but she remains a big question mark until we see signs of full recovery and early 2009 form.

The other top clay-courter last year, Svetlana Kuznetsova, has looked all but impressive in 2010 and is suffering from shoulder problems which aided Marion Bartoli in her 6-3, 6-0 dispat...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Tennis

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