[情報] Henin resists Paris favourite tag
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Last year Justine Henin-Hardenne attempted to defend
her Roland Garros title but lost in the second round.
Twelve months on the Belgian returns to Paris, fully
recovered from a viral infection, with three clay-court
titles and the 'unwanted' tag of favourite she told
Eurosport last week.
Tournament victories in Charleston, Warsaw and Berlin
have thrust Henin-Hardenne back into the limelight since
her return to the tour in April.
Henin described to Eurosport what it feels like to return
to winning ways.
"More than the victories, it's the feeling of being able
to fight with all my energy on a court that really satisfies
me right now," said a player who is 20-1 in 2005.
"I can again compete with the top players and that's such a
nice gift. But to lift some trophies that's great too
especially after so many troubles."
Henin first experienced the illness that sapped her energy
levels during a semi-final match with Amelie Mauresmo at
Amelia Island in April 2004.
She returned sporadically to the tour, claiming the Athens
Olympics singles gold medal last August, but didn't feel
fully fit until the Miami Open in March.
RETURN TO TOP FORM
Since then, she has beaten big names Alicia Molik, Lindsay
Davenport, Elena Dementieva, Patty Schnyder, Svetlana
Kuznetsova, Maria Sharapova and Nadia Petrova .
Schnyder, who lost to Henin in Berlin, believes the Belgian
is a standout favourite for Roland Garros.
"If she plays [like she has], she will win everything against
everybody, everywhere," the Swiss said.
But the player herself told Eurosport, she isn't keen on ranking
herself so high.
"It's tough to say 'no', because of what I have achieved,"
Henin smiled.
"To win the [Roland Garros] title again is definately a goal,
but if it doesn't happen I know there will be a lot more chances
in my career. I'm only 22."
PARIS PREPARATION
Since winning the German Open, two weeks ago, Henin and her
husband Pierre-Yves have started to organise their new
apartment in Monaco.
"I need to go back home and rest a little bit and to try to
prepare Roland Garros as quietly as possible.
Pat Etcheberry, her trainer, will not be present in Monaco but
she has sent the three-time major champion a schedule to adhere to.
"It's really clear in his head," Henin explained. "We know where
we want to go. We have already worked really cleverly these last
few months with more rest period. We have all learnt new things
together."
A BETTER UNDERSTANDING
So did she agree with her coach Carlos Rodriguez in his assessment:
"She is a better player and also a better person", during the
Warsaw tournament?
"I think I grew up a lot, even in my relationship with him we still
continue to grow.
"The bad experience I had probably helped me to open my mind a little
bit more. That's something I'm very proud of: to stick to life's
principles and values."
SAME OLD JUJU?
The experience of suffering illness has, Henin believes, changed her
approach to the tennis.
"I think my game change that's for sure," she said, "both technically
and also in the way I see my game. I'm more aggressive."
"On that point Carlos is really asking a lot of me.
"He says we are trying to settle a certain type of game for the up
coming years, a game that should allow me to save some energy.
"So it's difficult to compare myself to the player I was before.
"I will never be the same player again. Maybe better, maybe not,
that's what we will see in the upcoming months but I really
believe I'm on the right path."
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