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Williams power through; Henman's dreams shattered

Sunday 08 July 2001 00:00 BST
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Justine Henin (BEL) lost to Venus Williams (USA)
1-6 6-3 0-6

The big American overpowered the little Belgian to win the Wimbledon ladies' championship. Henin fought back to take the second set after a short rain break, but was outclassed and outplayed in the final set.

Williams did have a few lucky breaks that aided her power and determined concentration; her shots bounced off the top off the net a handful of times and there were a few line calls that might have unsettled the Belgian.

Henin's famed backhand had few chances to shine, but she won warm support from the crowd and many expect to see her back in the final stages of the women's championship in future years.

Ivanisevic (Croatia) beat Henman (GB)
7-5 6-7 (tie-break 6-8) 0-6 7-6 (tie-break 7-5) 6-3

Goran Ivanisevic kept his nerve to overcome Tim Henman in the rain-delayed men's semi-final at Wimbledon. Henman held serve in his first game against the big Croatian, but lost his second and could not recover.

Henman, 26, said: "Unfortunately my best was not good enough this year but I certainly know I'll be back for many more tries. I've said for many years I believe I'll win this tournament and it certainly isn't any different this year."

Ivanisevic, 29, said: "This is my destiny, this is God wanting me to win this year, this is everything. I've got a wild card and I'm in the final."

Ivanisevic will play Pat Rafter in the final tomorrow.

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