Maria loses Henin epic in Madrid

Unfortunately Maria has lost in the final of the WTA Tour Championships in Madrid.  Maria lost 7-5 5-7 6-3 to world #1 Justine Henin of Belgium.  The match lasted an incredible 3 hours and 24 minutes and Maria showed true grit and determination throughout the match.  Even though Maria lost she has had a great tournament and it sets things up nicely for 2008.

Henin broke Maria to lead 2-1 in the 1st set but Maria immediately broke back by hitting a very strong return on break point.  The next games when all held on serve until Maria broke Henin to take the set 7-5 in an epic game that contained 10 deuce's after having numerous set-points.  The set lasted well over an hour.

The 2nd set was also very tight with neither player giving anything away as both held their serves until Henin broke Maria to lead 5-4 when Maria hit a groundstroke out.  Maria re-grouped and got the break back when she to level the set 5-5 but was unable to take the set as she lost the next 2 games for Henin to take the set 7-5.

Maria lost her serve in the 3rd game of the 3rd set and at 3-2 was having some trouble breathing and had to be treated but after that she got the break back to level the set 3-3 and then lost the next 3 games.

source: mariasharapova.com