Brisbane International: Clijsters, Henin just one match away from showdown

Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters are just one match away from a highly anticipated showdown at the Brisbane International after progressing to the semifinals on Thursday. The former world number one players are both Belgians and are making comebacks in professional tennis.

Clijsters needed three sets to beat Lucie Safarova of the Czech Republic 6-1, 0-6, 6-4. The same case for Henin, who outlasted Hungary’s Melinda Czink in an exciting tiebreaker 6-2, 3-6, 7-6 (5).

Henin is happy with her progress in the tournament, which is one of the key warm-up events leading to the Australian Open which begins on January 18.

“That’s the kind of match that I need—not that long maybe,” she said.
Up next for the seven-time Grand Slam winner is another former world number one – Serbia’s Ana Ivanovic.  Clijsters’ semifinal opponent is Andrea Petkovic of Germany who upset Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.