DUBAI, 29 February 2004 — World No. 1 and defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne was given a fight by Russian teenager Svetlana Kuznetsova in the final of the Dubai Open, but the Belgian packed too many guns to pick up

her third title of the year yesterday with a 7-6, 6-3 victory.

Henin-Hardenne added to her victories in Sydney and at the Australian Open with the win, though it was an awkward match for the Belgian, who was unable to dominate the 85-minute baseline battle at any stage. Twice the battling Russian looked to have got the Belgian’s measure, but she could not sustain her giant-killing streak here in the final.

Henin-Hardenne took an early lead, breaking for 2-1 and dropping only three points in her first four service games. She then failed to serve out the set at 5-4, double faulting and making three backhand errors to allow her 18-year-old opponent to level before winning the tiebreak 7-3.

Kuznetsova, who beat former world No. 1 Venus Williams and two other seeds on the way to the final, lacked aggression in the first set and attacked more in the second. Henin-Hardenne was able to respond, with her returns forcing several errors from Kuznetsova, which led to a service break for a 2-0 lead but the Russian refused to buckle. She broke back in the fifth game before a clumsy forehand allowed the Belgian to break again to lead 5-3 and then serve out for the match.

Hingis Conducts Coaching Clinic in Dubai

Meanwhile, Hingis believes the Williams sisters will struggle to make an impact on their return to tennis and Serena’s continued absence is the reason Venus has failed to make an impression so far. “People ask me about a comeback, but look at Venus. I don’t want to end up like that even if I was healthy. The train is moving fast,” said the Swiss winner of five grand slam single titles, who is in Dubai to conduct some coaching clinics.

“Venus hasn’t shown anything right now. What makes them strong is if they’re together, but for one alone it’s difficult.”

Hingis retired from top flight tennis in October 2002, at the age of 22, after being plagued by injuries. She says she misses the game, but the blow has been softened by her continued involvement at other levels, including commentating.

Soderling Powers Past Clement Into Marseille Open Final

Swedish teenager Robin Soderling crushed Frenchman Arnaud Clement 6-3, 6-3 yesterday to set up a Marseille Open final against Slovakia’s Dominik Hrbaty. “It will be another match. The only thing I’m sure of is that I’ll be the youngest player on the court,” said Soderling. Soderling has not dropped a set on his way to his second ATP final and overpowered seventh-seeded Clement in 71 minutes.

In the other semifinal Hrbaty, who has already won in Adelaide and Auckland this year, beat another Swede, Jonas Bjorkman, 7-6, 6-3.