Justine Henin’s new-found mental resolve, which has swept her into her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, will be strengthened today as she contemplates tomorrow’s championship decider against Venus Williams.
One month ago, Henin was bottling it in her French Open semi-final with Belgian compatriot Kim Clijsters, who came from a set and a break down to reach the final against Jennifer Capriati.
That timespan must seem so much longer for Henin, such is the mental refiguration which has taken place in her 19-year-old mind since that shattering defeat.
Yesterday the new improved Henin made her breakthrough spectacularly, coming from a set down to defeat Capriati despite a short rain delay at 4-1 up in the decider which could have derailed lesser players.
Now Henin, who lost in the first round in her only previous Wimbledon appearance last year, goes into her match with the awesome Williams secure in the knowledge that she holds a 100% record against the American.
In their only previous meeting in the German Open this year, Henin triumphed 6-1 6-4.
“I’m still in this tournament and mentally I’m stronger than Paris,” said Henin.
"Venus is playing well on grass and when everything is in it is difficult to play against her. But I think now I have all my chances to win this tournament.
“You can’t imagine what it means for me to be in the final of a Grand Slam. For me that’s unbelievable. It’s not a dream, but it’s something that I couldn’t imagine when I came to Wimbledon this year. Now I believe it.”
Capriati insists the natural disappointment at her defeat has not been enhanced by the fact that Henin’s surprise victory has ended her quest for the calendar Grand Slam.
“Everyone was making a big deal out of the Grand Slam but me,” insisted Capriati.
“I’m pretty happy with the way this year has gone so far. It’s not a disappointment at all. It would have been nice but, oh well.”
Defending champion Williams, who repeated last year’s final victory over Lindsay Davenport in three sets yesterday, insisted she had taken note of the German Open defeat, and said she would not be taking her eighth-seeded opponent lightly.
“The last time we played I was moving kind of slow,” said Williams.
"I don’t think I was playing as well as maybe I could have, as well as I did today.
“You know, I feel comfortable going into the final. I’ve been in a big final once or twice before. So I think that my chances are good but my mom told me never to underestimate anyone. That is good advice.”