Justine Henin can take one of two things away from beating Amelie Mauresmo 7-5, 6-7 (4), 7-6 (2) Saturday in a classic final at the Wimbledon warm-up in Eastbourne: she can beat Amelie (who beat her in last year's Wimbledon final) on grass OR she is really going to have to fight for the crown as Mauresmo seems to have regained her form and fitness after a dismal year so far.
The two top seeds were on court for more than two and a half hours before Henin triumphed and after the match she said:“I had a very good week and I am happy with how I am playing. I have much more feeling in my game than this time last year. It was very difficult conditions for both of us. I am tired now more because of the wind than because of the tough match.”
The title was the 34th of Henin's career and her fifth this year. To win it, she fought back from 5-3 down in the final set, with Mauresmo serving for the match at 5-4.
If Mauresmo felt any bitter disappointment, she wasn't showing it saying: “It is always a pleasure to come here to Eastbourne and I have really enjoyed this week. “I am disappointed not to win the tournament but I have played quite well and this has been very good preparation for me.”