Sharapova Crushes Henin

Maria Defeats Worlds #1

Maria put on a stunning performance under the lights tonight in Australia to end world #1 Justine Henin's 32 match winning streak. Maria won 6-4 6-0 in 1 hour and 38 minutes to advance to the semis for the 4th consecutive year.

The quality of play from Maria was excellent, it has to be one of the best matches she has ever played. Maria had an impressive 30 winners to 21 unforced errors

The 1st set was electric as Maria took it 6-4 in 61 minutes. Maria got the 1st break to lead 2-0 when Henin netted a forehand. Maria built up a 5-2 lead and Henin started to work her way back into the set by taking the next 2 games. The last game of the set was as tight as it gets as Maria finally won it on her 4th set point when Maria hit a dipping backhand cross-court winner. Maria had 16 winners to 15 unforced errors.

After the very close 1st set, Maria took control of the 2nd set as she won it 6-0 in 37 minutes. Maria fired the perfect backhand pass down the line to give herself an early break to lead 2-0. Maria then got another break to lead 4-0 when she hit a very cute inside out forehand. Maria won the match when Henin netted a backhand.

Maria will play #3 seed Jelena Jankovic in the semis on Thursday. Maria has played Jankovic 4 times before and leads the series 3-1.