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Russia's Maria Sharapova (L) and
Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne hold their trophies after the women's
final match at the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 9,
2006.(Xinhua Photo)
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FLUSHING MEADOWS, New York, Sept. 9 (Xinhua) -- Russian Maria Sharapova won her
first U.S. Open title as she beat former champion Justine Henin- Hardenne in
Saturday's final of the U.S. Open women's singles tennis.
Sharapova's big serve and powerful forehand were too
much for her rival. The 19-year-old Russian star was always in command of the
90-minute match.
Third-seeded Sharapova ousted second-seeded
Henin-Hardenne 6-4, 6-4 in the 1 hour and 30 minutes clash and took her second
Grand Slam victory. she captured the title of the Wimbledon in 2004.
After her straight sets win, a joyful Sharapova told
the crowd she was so happy to be in front of tennis fans in New York, "my
favourite city in the world."
"This is an amazing honor," she said.
On Friday, third seed Sharapova upset world
number one Amelie Mauresmo in the semifinals.
Henin-Hardenne, the five-time Grand Slam champion including her 2003 U.S. Open title, appeared in her fourth Grand Slam final of this season. The Belgian star was 5-4 in her career Grand Slam finals, including 1-3 this year. Enditem [1] [2] [3] [4] [5]
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