Justine Henin refuses to blame injury for shock defeat to Kuznetsova

Updated on: 22 January,2011 06:59 AM IST |
AFP |

Henin refuses to blame hurt elbow for shock third round defeat to Kuznetsova

Henin refuses to blame hurt elbow for shock third round defeat to Kuznetsova

Belgium's Justine Henin reacts after losing her third round match to
Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova at Melbourne Park yesterday.
PIC/ Getty Images

Henin, struggling with an elbow injury, was never in front against the Russian and failed to reach a Grand Slam last 16 for the first time since since Wimbledon 2006.

Kuznetsova ended Henin's hopes of winning an eighth Grand Slam singles title in a thrilling match on Rod Laver Arena, holding her nerve in a nail-biting tie-break to seal it 6-4, 7-6 (10/8) and keep hopes alive of a third Grand Slam title for herself.

Henin injured her right elbow during her fourth round loss to fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters at Wimbledon last year, an injury so severe it forced her out of the sport for the remainder of 2010.

She was wearing strapping on her elbow during the match against Kuznetsova but despite serving nine double faults, including three in the second set tie-break, she said she couldn't use the injury as an excuse.

"I knew in what condition I went on to the court, so I don't make any excuse about that," she said. "I decided to play not being 100 percent," she added.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels