By Etienne Stekelenburg
September 29 2003

Russian Anastasia Myskina defeats Belgian No.2 Justine Henin-Hardenne in Leipzig final. After losing the first set Myskina won 3-6 6-3 6-3 for the Sparkassen Cup victory. After winning 22 matches Belgian No. 2 of the world Justine Henin-Hardenne lost to Anastasia Myskina from Russia in their fifth meeting.

Henin-Hardenne is still leading 3-2 in the head-to-head against Myskina who is ranked at No. 10 at the moment of the final.

Justine Henin-Hardenne, who won seven tournaments this year, with 6-3, easily won the first set. In the second set Myskina shows more resistance and breaks Henin-Hardenne’s serve for a 4-3 lead.

After holding her serve for 5-3 the Russian again breaks Henin-Hardenne’s serve for 6-3 in the second set. Last years losing finalist Myskina took advantage of Henin-Hardenne’s errors. Even the Belgian notorious backhands were very well handled by Myskina. Henin-Hardenne also failed to attack Myskina’s weaker second serve.

In the third set Myskina breaks for 4-2 but also lost her own serve and Henin-Hardenne managed to come back to 4-3. The Russian found a way to put up a good fight by charging on Henin-Hardenne’s weaker forehand, again breaking the Belgian serve for 5-3.

While serving for the match Myskina only needed one matchpoint to secure the victory when Henin-Hardenne hits a ball into the net at 40-30.

The Russian both defeats the No.1 and 2 of the Sanex WTA ranking. Kim Clijsters had to retire due to a strained ankle in the semi final against Anastasia Myskina.

Myskina said she made too many errors in the first set and putting that aside she was glad she won the biggest victory in her career so far. She also said gained confidence when Justine Henin-Hardenne lost grip on the match in the second set. That got her back into the match adding that she felt she was ready to win this one.

Justine Henin-Hardenne said she was very disappointed with this loss but she was happy to have a good week and she is looking forward to play in Filderstadt in October.