The final showdown of the year featured defending champion Justine Henin against Maria Sharapova, who was saving a disastrous season. It was one for the record books with high expectations.

Straight from the start, the pressure was on. The first strike dictated the rest of the points as both players came out with all guns blazing. It was Justine who got the first break, only to be broken back by a determined Maria. The brilliant and consistent display of deep and aggressive hitting cracked down to a 6-5 lead to Sharapova. But Henin wasn’t going to give Maria the first set easily as the high-pitched Russian endured 10 deuces and finally converted on her eight set points to wrap up a tightly-contested first-set 7-5.

With a great start, Maria was advised to start serving out wide more. But Justine came back, and with a few breaks served out the second set to love and take it  7-5.

'Straight from the start, the pressure was on. The first strike dictated the rest of the points, as both players came out with all guns blazing'


Maria started feeling the heavy duty her body had endured and needed the trainer at 2-3 down. Taking some nasal spray seemed to rebut Sharapova’s body and she broke back to level at 3-3. But Henin was determined to recapture and maintain her lead and broke back. Sharapova now served to stay in the match at 3-5 down. Despite the Russian’s more fierce and consistent serving, Justine closed out the match on her fifth championship point. A well-deserved 5-7, 7-5, 6-3 victory to end a memorable season.

“It was a tough last game,” Henin admitted. "We were both dead, but what a way to finish the season. It is a dream what has happened to me this season. I have learned a lot of things this year. I have enjoyed my tennis - but it has been emotional.”

Sharapova said. “It's been a difficult year, with a lot of injuries. Two weeks ago I didn't know if I was going to play here and so to get to the final is a surprise.”

Other players making a big impression in Madrid were Ana Ivanovic and Anna Chakvetadze. Although Chakvetadze had a lot of help along the way, the Russian got to the semi-final. The Serbian sensation played stunning tennis and it took the eventual champion to kick her out of Madrid as she voyaged to the semi-final. Serena Williams and Jelena Jankovic displayed strength but injuries and illness took their toll.

Svetlana Kuznetsova was a real disappointment; she left her rare and strong talents in the locker room. Daniela Hantuchova was a bit slow but had a good time.