Henin-Hardenne Wins French Open Marathon

[NNN0LHI]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/T/TEN_FRENCH_OPEN?SITE=FLTAM&SECTION=SPORTS

PARIS (AP) -- Maria Sharapova won in 10 minutes Monday at the French Open. Justine Henin-Hardenne took a lot longer. Henin-Hardenne played for 3 hours, 15 minutes, overcoming two match points in the fourth round to beat reigning U.S. Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, 7-6 (6), 4-6, 7-5.

"It was a bit of a miracle," Henin-Hardenne said. "I was seeing her very nervous. She was afraid to win the match. That was very clear. When you can see that in the eyes of your opponent, that is very good for myself."

The Belgian's opponent in the quarterfinals Tuesday will be second-seeded Sharapova, who swept the final three games to complete a match suspended overnight because of rain. She beat Nuria Llagostera Vives 6-2, 6-3.

Reigning Australian Open champion Marat Safin, seeded third, lost to No. 15 Tommy Robredo 7-5, 1-6, 6-1, 4-6, 8-6.

[MuseRider]

1. That was an ugly match.

They both looked tentative out there and usually Justine is such a pleasure to watch.

Robredo was really fun to watch today and Safin only got fined once! That was a great match to watch.

I am totally clueless who looks best to win in either the men or the womens.

Any thoughts?

[bixente]

2. In my heart...

I would be thrilled if Mary Pierce won the tournament. But, my head says Sharapova. As for the men's, Roger Federer will win, because he is the best player in the world, and no-one is better than the best player in the world.

[MuseRider]

3. I also would love

to see Mary Pierce win again. I agree that Federer may win this too and I would not mind that at all, I really, really like him. Still, it is very nice to see the young Nadal looking so good.