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New season, new beginning - Page 4

© Michael Cecilio

Roger FEDERER (SUI) d. Jan-Michael GAMBILL (USA) 6-4 6-3
Monica SELES/Jan-Michael GAMBILL (USA) d. Martina HINGIS/Roger FEDERER (SUI) 2-6 6-4 (7-5)

Thalgo Australian Women’s Hardcourts, Gold Coast
January 1-6, 2001
Rebound Ace (Hardcourt Outdoor) surface, Tier III event
2000 Champion: Silvija Talaja (CRO)
2001 Champion: Justine Henin (BEL)

A star is born. Justine Henin is the future of the women’s game, and that future seems to be arriving rather swiftly. With a refreshing all-court game, Justine hits with a lot of power like many of the young girls on tour, but she certainly possesses a lot more talent than the average up-and-comer. Her aggressive groundstrokes are the cornerstone of her game, but her repertoire of shots is extensive and breathtaking to watch with a beautiful one-handed backhand, amazing finesse and touch and a very strong net game. It all seemed to click for her in the first tournament of the year as she demolished the opposition without the loss of a set en route to the title. Last year was a fairly lacklustre year which saw her hampered by injuries and inconsistency, but this year her aggression, her mental toughness and her all-court game seem to have clicked at the right time before the important grand slam event in Melbourne.

QUARTER FINALS
2-Patty SCHNYDER (SUI) d. Andrea GLASS (GER) 6-1 6-3
6-Meghann SHAUGHNESSY (USA) d. 1-Conchita MARTINEZ (ESP) 6-2 6-1
8-Justine HENIN (BEL) d. Joanette KRUGER (RSA) 6-1 6-1
Silvia FARINA-ELIA (ITA) d. 3-Silvija TALAJA (CRO) 6-3 6-2

SEMI FINALS
8-Justine HENIN d. 6-Meghann SHAUGHNESSY 6-2 4-6 6-2
Silvia FARINA-ELIA d. 2-Patty SCHNYDER 6-7(8) 6-2 6-4

FINAL
8-Justine HENIN d. Silvia FARINA-ELIA 7-6(5) 6-4

DOUBLES FINAL
Giulia CASONI (ITA)/Janette HUSAROVA (SVK) d. 3-Katie SCHLUKEBIR/Meghann SHAUGHNESSY (USA) 7-6(9) 7-5

ASB Bank Classic, Auckland
January 1-6, 2001
Rebound Ace (Hardcourt Outdoor) surface, Tier V event
2000 Champion: Anne Kremer (LUX)
2001 Champion: Meilen Tu (USA)

QUARTER FINALS
6-Paola SUAREZ (ARG) d. Alison BRADSHAW (USA) 6-3 6-4 Marlene WEINGARTNER (GER) d. 5-Anne KREMER (LUX) 6-1 6-4 Francesca SCHIAVONE (ITA) d. 7-Cara BLACK 7-6(5) 6-4 Meilen TU (USA) d. 8-Lilia OSTERLOH (USA) 2-6 7-6(1) 6-4

SEMI FINALS
6-Paola SUAREZ d. Marlene WEINGARTNER 7-5 6-1
Meilen TU d. Francesca SCHIAVONE 7-6(6) 7-5

FINAL
Meilen TU d. 6-Paola SUAREZ 7-6(10) 6-2

DOUBLES FINAL
3-Alexandra FUSAI (FRA)/Rita GRANDE (ITA) d. Emmanuelle GAGLIARDI (SUI)/Barbara SCHETT (AUT) 7-6(4) 6-3

Sanex WTA Tour Singles Rankings as at January 8, 2001
1. Martina HINGIS: 6044
2. Lindsay DAVENPORT: 5021
3. Venus WILLIAMS: 3694
4. Monica SELES: 3255
5. Conchita MARTINEZ: 2636
6. Serena WILLIAMS: 2306
7. Mary PIERCE: 2162

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