1. Ana Ivanovic - SRB
2. Jelena Jankovic - SRB
3. Svetlana Kuznetsova - RUS
4. Maria Sharapova - RUS
5. Serena Williams - USA

Maria Sharapova	6	6	-
Justine Henin	4	0	-

Maria shines in win over Henin

Russia's Maria Sharapova reacts after winning a point against Belgium's Justine.

January 22nd, 2008

25 Comments

Posted by: Marco

Maria earned an efficient 6-4, 6-0 victory over Belgiums Justine Henin to reach the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

The Russian flew out of the blocks, intimidating Henin with sublime ground strokes. While the fans at Rod Laver Arena were still finding their seats, Sharapova powered to 3-0 lead in just 9 minutes.

Henin slowly played her way back, eventually breaking back when down 3-5. The following game saw Henin save three set points. An extensive rally, perhaps the best of the women�s tournament to date, gave the Russian a fourth set point, with a superb Sharapova lunging backhand forcing Henin to dump a volley into the net.

Coming into this match, Henin has a 6-2 head-to-head record over Sharapova. On the four occasions The Russian has taken the first set, Henin has recovered to win twice.

In the second set Maria fired�the perfect backhand pass down the line to give herself an early break to lead 2-0.� Maria got another break to lead 4-0 when she hit a very cute inside out forehand.

The winner will meet 3rd seed Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals.

FERNANDO Jan 22, 2008 at 11:22

BRAVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MARIA, DISFRUTANDO TU Y YO. AHORA A LA FINAL

Lars Jan 22, 2008 at 11:22

Maria was awsome!!! Now i am certain that she'll win the title

jackie Jan 22, 2008 at 11:25

THAT WAS UNBELIEVABLE. Tennis played with tru passion. Take it all the way maria!

BigFan Jan 22, 2008 at 11:26

Awesome Game !!! Congratz and a great comeback !!

BigFan Jan 22, 2008 at 11:28

Awesome Game !!! Congratz and a great comeback !!

alice Jan 22, 2008 at 11:29

C'MON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maria was great!!!!LOVE HER

zorang Jan 22, 2008 at 11:42

This is fantastic!!!!!!!!!Bravo angel.Bravo,bravo,bravo.Sky and Maria!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Maria is the best.Good luck Masha!!!!!!!A.O is your.

Abz-philippines Jan 22, 2008 at 12:12

Congrats maria you did a great played! Good luck in the next game and i know you can win.. God bless!

Ged UK Jan 22, 2008 at 13:55

This made my day !

Ged UK Jan 22, 2008 at 14:05

This made my day !

Wester C. P. de Moraes - Brazil Jan 22, 2008 at 14:17

Masha,
Great victory!!!!!!!!! The best is still to come!!!
Congrats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love,
Wester

C. nemo Jan 22, 2008 at 14:49

come on Maria
GO GO GO
GREAT

BUBBLES Jan 22, 2008 at 15:16

WELL DONE MASHA I KNEW YOU COULD DO IT BRING ON THE NEXT MATCH THEN YOU ARE IN THE FINAL GO MASHA

Omar Ruiz-Diaz from Vancouver, Canada Jan 22, 2008 at 15:24

Thanks Masha for this victory. It was around 01:30 in the morning when the game started in Melbourne and, because I don't own a TV, I went to the local Fitness World, around the corner to watch but all TV screens doesn't work (not remote control, activated authomatically, very old TV machines, considerer how expensive the club is (and they say that is 24/7, anyways, I came back home and just listen the Radio from Melbourne. I woke up around 6 in the morning and the first thing I did was to checks if you have won and you did it!!! I am so happy for you, for your family and for your unconditional fans around the world. I just wish you the best for the next game. Go Masha, go!!!

phan le huy Jan 22, 2008 at 15:42

you are wonderful , yeah

rizwan5299 Jan 22, 2008 at 19:27

great Maria:
earned an efficient 6-4, 6-0 victory
go Go & go is final_________

Giovanni Jan 22, 2008 at 19:45

Great!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!
The sky is the limit!!!!

Shoaib Ahmed Jan 22, 2008 at 20:53

Sweet Maria,

i tell already to all fan's Maria won the over Justine Henin and you do im very happy you reach the semi final

Go Maria Go my pray with you, Just do it.

Australian Open 2008 Champion Maria Sharapova

I Love You so much forever.......

mustafa-h Jan 23, 2008 at 00:40

great maria
you kicked henin out
happy new year
let's hug the cup

Marcus Jan 23, 2008 at 03:25

Well masha you are the best
I love
magnifies victory, ecxelent play, Great victory
you are wonderful
Congratulations
the title of the Australian open goes to make yours

Shoaib Ahme Jan 23, 2008 at 07:57

Sweet Maria,

Go Maria Go Championship waiting for you.

The Australian Open 2008 Champion Maria Sharapova

I Love You so much forever.....

Roger Jan 23, 2008 at 11:00

GOOD JOB

I told she can beat Justin and she did!

just keep fight, maria. If you can beat justin, you can beat them all.
You're always the best for me.

I love u, my maria

Tima Jan 23, 2008 at 12:04

Maria it\'s so good to see you in the semifinal and mostly that you ve\'beaten Henin at last!

but that \'s not the end still, so hopefully you\'ll be in good form for the next match. Good luck! Take your chance, focus on this match.

Reese goulding Jan 23, 2008 at 22:41

hey guys i think sharapova dominated henin ad she really should beat jelena and i really hope she does

GO MARIA!!!!!!!!!

maykel Jan 24, 2008 at 11:36

GO MASHA!