Tennis
2010-01-20 - Elena Dementieva vs Justine Henin
A Sports Betting Pick by Auls
Preview
This, in my humble opinion, is the best match of the 2nd round in both the Mens and Womens tournament. Justine Henin recently made her comeback onto the main WTA tour after her surprising retirement 2 years ago. Since Henin, and her compatriat Kim Clijsters, left the Professional game, Elena Dementieva has shed some of her mental issues and become a real threat at the top of the Womens game.
Dementieva began her preparation in the Hopman Cup this year where she won 2 matches and lost 1 before she travelled to Sydney. It was the title she won in Sydney that once again sent a message to the rest of the WTA tour that the Russian will be a real threat this year. She won the title with only 1 set dropped in her 5 matches and beat Dinara Safina, Victoria Azarenka and Serena Williams in consecutive rounds without losing a set.
She beat Vera Dushevina in the 1st round here for the loss of just 3 games. Dementieva has shown her prowess on the hard courts over the last 2 seasons, going 35-11 last season and she reached the Semi Final of the tournament here.
Justine Henin retired as the World Number 1 in April 2008 as she fell out of love with the sport she had been playing since she was a child. However, the return of Kim Clijsters to win the US Open last September seemed to get the competitive juices flowing again and Henin announced she would return to the tour this year.
So far, Henin has played 1 tournament, finishing Runner Up in Brisbane to Clijsters after an impressive match that went the distance. The petit Belgian won her opening round her against her fellow country Woman Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets.
Henin had a fabulous record on the hard courts over the 3 seasons proceeding her retirement, her record being 66-8. Her last appearance in Australia was in January 2008 when she reached the Quarter Final before being easily beaten by Maria Sharapova.
Head to Head
These 2 players have not met since 2007 but the record between them is currently Justine Henin 9, Elena Dementieva 2.
They had met in 4 hard court matches, with Henin leading 3-1. Dementieva can hold on to the fact that she won their last meeting on a hard court at Indian Wells in 2006.
They have played in 2 Grand Slam events, both in 2002, with Henin winning both of those.
Prediction
I will openly say that I like Elena Dementieva's game, especially in the last 2 seasons, and she has been close to winning a Grand Slam. I have seen some big improvements in her service games and also with her groundstrokes that have allowed her to compete with the top players in the World.
Justine Henin has shown her ability and is a wonderful player to watch. Even taking into account the success Clijsters had at the US Open, I think this tournament may come too soon to see the real Henin. I truly feel the real threat from Henin will come at the French Open and at Wimbledon, a tournament she has stated she is desperate to win.
This is essentially a pick em at the bookmakers, but I am going to side with Elena Dementieva to come through. It should be tight and I would not be surprised if it ends up going to 3 sets, but I think Dementieva is stronger mentally than she was when they previously met.
Elena Dementieva 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
The Pick :
Elena Dementieva 6-4, 2-6, 6-3
