Justine Henin-Hardenne successfully retained her French Open Title with a convincing 6-4, 6-4 victory over Russian Powerhouse & 2004 US Open Champion Svetlana Kuznetsova on the Chatrier Court. The Belgian needed 1 hr 36 mins to saw off a late resurgence from Kuznetsova. Kuznetsova's run was one of several achievements this season that exemplify her recent return to form, after a dismal 2005 that saw her relinquish her 2004 US Open title and Top 5 ranking. The Russian captured the prestigious Tier I title in Miami two months ago and has notched three Top 5 wins, including two over Amélie Mauresmo. After easier wins during the first week, in the second week of Roland Garros she gutted out tight wins over fiesty Italian Francesca Schiavone, compatriot Dinara Safina & the 17-yr old Czech Phenom Nicole Vaidisova who scored upset wins over reigning Aus Open Champion Amelie Mauresmo & Wimbledon Champion Venus Williams en route to her second major singles final. The fifth seed who also won the tournament in 2003 & 2005 joined Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf & Monica Seles as the only women to have won back-to-back titles at the claycourt grandslam in the professional era.
She also became the Ist player since Aranxta Sanchez Vicario in 1994 to win the crown without dropping a set. The match was closely contested with both players playing aggressively & going for the lines. But it was Justine Henin who converted 4/7 breakpoint opportunities as against Svetlana's 2/4. Justine's 37 winners, 16 errors also helped her seal victory over the resurgent Russian who had only 17 winnerswhopping 38 unforced errors. Kuznetsova's high Ist serve percentage could not capitalise on an all round game of Justine before succumbing to defeat by an errant & a long forehand on the second match point at 40-30.
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