Serena sings Henin's praises

Serena Williams was quick to praise Justine Henin after beating the Belgian to secure a 12th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open.

Serena Williams was quick to praise Justine Henin after beating the Belgian to secure a 12th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. The world number one just had too much for Henin as she recorded a hard-fought 6-4 3-6 6-2 victory in Melbourne. Henin was making her comeback from a 20-month retirement, but came up just short in her bid for a fairytale finish as Williams raised her game to storm home in the deciding set. However, the American is convinced Henin is now ready to start winning major titles once again. "I'd like to congratulate Justine for having a fabulous tournament and giving me such a great run today," she said after sealing victory. "I think it could have gone either way and I definitely think she's back so all you guys back there definitely have a lot to cheer for." Williams conceded that she had lost her way as Henin levelled the match by taking the second set, but pushed herself mentally to recover her form. "It was a great final and it could have gone any way," she continued. "(At the start of the third set) I thought I just gotta man up, this is my chance, no matter what I've got one more set and I just gotta get through it and I did. "I thought I was just giving it to her at that point. I literally said to myself I need to man up and keep playing better."

Emotional

Despite her final disappointment, Henin insisted she had been delighted by her run at Melbourne Park. "It's been a very emotional two weeks for me," the Belgian declared. "I thought they would never happen again, that I could come back on the court. "I've really enjoyed my tournament and I think this is the best place for me to start here in Australia because you know tennis so well, you know the culture of the sport so thank you for your support. "I'd like to congratulate Serena who is of course a real champion so well done again." Henin signed off by telling the crowd: "I can say it again, I'll see you next year."