‘Henin can win French Open’

Berlin: Struggling world no. 1 Justine Henin can still win Roland Garros for the fourth consecutive time later this month, insists German Open finalist Elena Dementieva.

Over the weekend, Henin withdrew from the WTA event in Rome starting on Monday, citing fatigue after a poor run of form including her early exit from the German Open here on Thursday at the hands of finalist Dinara Safina.

The 25-year-old admitted earlier in the week she is lacking confidence and has just two weeks to improve her form before the French Open starts on May 26, after suffering four defeats in four months this year.

"It is totally unpredictable who will win the French Open, but in my eyes Justine can still win it as she is such a good player," said Dementieva, ranked ninth in the world. "Even if she has had only two matches to prepare herself. It will be tough this year as the competition is higher for her and she might not be at her best at the moment — but tennis is also unpredictable."

Rome had been Henin’s last opportunity to come into some form before Roland Garros begins on May 26. She has already been beaten four times in four months this year including a 6-2, 6-0 hammering by Serena Williams in Miami last month.

And on Monday, Henin talked at length about plans for her retirement, but would not specify when she planned to quit the game. (AFP)

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Elena sees off champion Ana

Berlin: Defending champion Ana Ivanovic of Serbia crashed out of the German Open at the semifinal stage on Saturday after a straight sets defeat to Elena Dementieva.

Dementieva, whom Ivanovic has never beaten in their four meetings, now faces giant killing compatriot Dinara Safina in an all-Russian final.

After losing the first set 6-2, Ivanovic had few answers to Dementieva’s impressive start.

But the 20-year-old Serb rallied and fought back in the second, only for the Russian to pull away with a 7-5 win. Dementieva said: "It’s going to be amazing to have a Russian final, I haven’t played her (Safina) for a long time. I am really looking forward to it."

She added: "I enjoyed the semifinal, Ana is a great player and I really gave my best today. It is never easy playing against her, but I was really focused and I worked hard for every single point."

Ivanovic said she was pleased to have made it to the semifinals during her first tournament on clay this season. (AFP)