Sharapova to Face Henin in Final
by Matt Cronin
Posted Date: Friday, September 8, 2006

A much-celebrated US Open bridesmaid will meet a very accomplished bride, when Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin-Hardenne clash in the women's final on Saturday.

Sharapova busted her five straight Grand Slam semifinal jinx in resounding fashion when she out-stroked and out-thought No. 1 Amelie Mauresmo, 6-0, 4-6, 6-0, while 2003 U.S. champion Henin took the last 10 games from an imploding Jelena Jankovic in a 4-6, 6-4, 6-0 victory.

Since winning 2004 Wimbledon, Sharapova had failed to advance past five final fours: at the '05 Australian Open, '05 Wimbledon, '05 US Open, '06 Australian Open and '06 Wimbledon.

But on Saturday against Mauresmo, she played a far cleaner contest, keeping her groundstrokes deep, serving intelligently and whipping passing shots past the athletic Frenchwoman.