A Fitting End to a Memorable Week

August 19, 2007 - The 2007 Rogers Cup presented by American Express ended in style on Sunday afternoon at Rexall Centre with the crowning of a formidable champion.

World No.1 Justine Henin of Belgium defeated second-seeded Serbian sensation Jelena Jankovic 7-6(3), 7-5 in a final for the ages.  In front of a packed house, both players were at the top of their game, exhibiting exceptional shot-making and a tremendous fighting spirit throughout the two hour and 18 minute match.

The win marks Henin’s second Rogers Cup crown (the first coming in 2003 in Toronto) and the 35th singles title of her career.  Her six tournament victories this season are the most singles titles won this year by any player on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.  She also improves her 2007 match record to an astonishing 43-4.

Not to be outdone, Jankovic put up a good fight against the world’s best player, whom she has never managed to beat.  But the talent and experience of the 25-year old Belgian proved to be too much for one of the rising stars of women’s tennis.

“I love when it comes to 4 or 5‑all, and it's going to be a really important moment during the match.  I love this kind of situation, so that's why I love to compete.  It's because of these moments, especially during finals,” said Henin after her win.

Earlier in the day, No. 2 seeds Katarina Srebotnik (Slovenia) and Ai Sugiyama (Japan) pulled off an upset in the doubles final by defeating the top-ranked duo of Cara Black (Zimbabwe) and Liezel Huber (United States) 6-4, 2-6, 10-5.  The championship was their first ever together, and the triumph also marked the first time they had upended the world’s best team.

This week’s prestigious Tier I stop in Toronto proved to be a valuable stepping stone for the final Grand Slam of the season in Flushing Meadows, New York, where the US Open will get underway next week.

MORE NEWS +