Henin-Hardenne wins WTA Year-End Championships

To my disappointment, defending champion and world number one Amelie Mauresmo was defeated today by Justine Henin-Hardenne in the WTA Year-End Championships in Madrid. I can't say I was surprised. Mauresmo had played several three-set matches, and her Saturday semifinal against Kim Clijsters was a three-set epic with very long, demanding rallies. To her credit, Mauresmo performed well in the final, but her tank, though not empty, was definitely no longer full. All the same, it was great to see those two beautiful dueling backhands in a big match again.

Henin-Hardenne, who had to be seeking revenge after losing to Mauresmo several times this year, including once in the Madrid round robin, was in top form, and when Henin-Hardenne is in top form, it is extremely difficult to beat her. She defeated Mauresmo 6-4, 6-3.

When the new rankings come out tomorrow, Henin-Hardenne will be number one in the world, a spot she had attained before she even reached the YEC final.

Lisa Raymond and Samantha Stosur, my favorite doubles team, defended their 2005 YEC title by defeating Cara Black and Rennae Stubbs.