By Chris Davies
June 7 2003

Justine Henin-Hardenne the number 4 seed claimed her first ever Grand Slam win over compatriot and number 2 seed Kim Clijsters then dedicated the win to her mother in paradise Henin-Hardenne started right on top of her game breaking the Clijsters serve and saving three break points at 0-40 to lead 2-0. That lead turned into 3-0, then 4-0, then 5-0, then 6-0 to hand Clijsters her second 6-0 set at Roland Garros.

The number 2 seed had chances to come back in the first set but Henin-Hardenne was just too good today proving that being 5ft 5in can still win you Grand Slams.

Second set was close and once again Clijsters had chances to win the set but didn't take them. She won her first game showing signs that she might come back and cause a surprise but was broken at 2-1 for the now world number 3 to lead 3-1. Justine's groundstrokes were just spectacular and not allowing Kim to get the winners she normally would.

Clijsters the twice runner up at Roland Garros picked up her game with ruthless groundstrokes and a very hard hit smash to win the game and close the gap for 3-2 and again wasted break points to level but instead it was 4-2. The service game of Clijsters was crucial at 4-2 down if she was to lose then Henin-Hardenne would serve it out but she finally held serve then took the initiative by breaking Justine's serve for 4-4.

Now the match started to turn but Clijster's form that we have seen all this year was not here today being broken again for Henin-Hardenne to serve for her first Grand Slam Crown.

It served it out she did where there were glimpses of her friend and compatriot coming back she sealed it with an error into the net from Clijsters winning 6-0, 6-4.

She dedicated the win to her mother Francoise who sadly died 7 years ago from cancer and brought her daughter to the French Open final when Monica Seles played Steffi Graf which clearly had a affect on the 21 year old.

"It's a great moment for me, I went for that win with all my heart. I played for my mum above all - I want to dedicate that victory to my mum who is watching me from paradise - I'm sure she's very proud of me."

But for Clijsters she will have a second chance tomorrow to win a Slam in the doubles with Ai Sugiyama who take on number 1 seeds.

If Justine and Kim can play like this now and I feel that they can get much better this year then they will be tough to beat at Wimbledon so perhaps Kim will gain revenge.