Henin dumped out in Dubai Open quarter-finals
Justine Henin lost in straight sets to Francesca Schiavone at the Dubai Open
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Thursday, 28, Feb 2008 10:28
World number one Justin Henin has suffered a shock defeat at the hands of Italian Francesca Schiavone in the quarter-finals of the Dubai Open.
The 6-7 (3-7) 6-7 (4-7) defeat brings to an end Henin's 17-match unbeaten run in the Dubai Open after she won the title on her last four years at the event.
Following the match, Henin said: "She was better, simple as that. I didn't go for winners. I was playing not to lose instead of trying to win."
It was an erratic display by the Belgian and she was made to pay by Schiavone, who looked shaky after missing the chance to win the match with the score at 5-4 in the second set.
Henin saved a match point in that game, only to go on and lose the tie break 7-4.
Schiavone was understandably delighted after the game.
"To beat Justine you have to play very good, at a high level, and I did today. I think for me it is my best win," said the Italian.
Shiavone will now go on to face Elena Dementieva in the semi-finals after the Russian beat Ana Ivanovic 5-7 6-3 6-3 in their quarter-final tie.
In the other semi-final Jelena Jankovic will play Svetlana Kuznetsova.