Henin ousts Sharapova to make Australian final
(Reuters)
Updated: 2006-01-26 14:24

Eighth seed Justine Henin-Hardenne fought back to overpower Russia's Maria Sharapova 4-6 6-1 6-4 on Thursday and reach the Australian Open final.

The Belgian, who won in Melbourne in 2004 but missed last year through injury, ground fourth seed Sharapova down to extend an extraordinary winning streak in Australia to 20 matches, closing out their hard-fought semi-final after two hours 26 minutes.

The French Open champion served for the match in the ninth game of the decider but stumbled slightly before recovering to break Sharapova in the next game and claim the match with a blistering backhand winner down the line.

Henin-Hardenne will play either compatriot and second seed Kim Clijsters, who she beat for the 2004 title, or third seed Amelie Mauresmo in Saturday's final.

Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium hits a forehand during her match against Maria Sharapova of Russia at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2006. Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached the final game.[Reuters]

Maria Sharapova of Russia reacts during her loss to Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium at the Australian Open tennis tournament in Melbourne January 26, 2006. Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached the final game.[Reuters]

Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium, left, shakes hands with Maria Sharapova of Russia after their semifinla match at the Australian Open Tennis tournament in Melbourne, Australia, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2006. Henin-Hardenne won the match 4-5, 6-1, 6-4 and reached the final game. [AP]