Serena routs Justine Henin

2008-04-01 21:08

Key Biscayne, Florida - Serena Williams made the world's top-ranked player look like a beginner on Tuesday, beating nemesis Justine Henin 6-2 6-0 in the quarter-finals of the Sony Ericsson Open.

Williams won the final 10 games by playing nearly flawless tennis, while Henin unravelled after she double-faulted three times to fall behind 4-2.

As a result, there was none of the drama usually generated by the rivalry. Williams had lost their past three meetings, all in 2007, at the French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open. But Williams beat Henin in the Key Biscayne final a year ago, overcoming two championship points.

Williams, seeking her fifth Key Biscayne title, committed 60 unforced errors in her opening match but had only 15 against Henin.

And Williams showed she can win with more than mere power, passing Henin on both sides, lobbing to stay in rallies, chasing down a drop shot to hit a winner and even playing serve and volley.

Henin, meanwhile, struggled even with her signature backhand, and her serve went haywire. She won only five of 20 points on her second serve and double-faulted for the fifth time to end the match.

Williams could meet sister Venus in the semi-finals on Thursday. The older Williams, a three-time Key Biscayne champion, was to play No 3-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova on Tuesday night.

James Blake wobbled at the finish but became the first men's quarter-finalist by beating Radek Stepanek 6-3 6-4.

The No 9-seeded Blake needed six match points in the final game to close out the victory. He had trouble with his serve throughout but broke four times and won 13 points at the net.

By reaching the final eight, Blake matched his best showing at Key Biscayne. He has often struggled in the event, where his career record is only 11-6, including a loss in his opening match last year.

- AP