Justine Henin plays Britain's Elena Baltacha in the second round of the Australian Open tonight on Rod Laver Arena.
Henin was given quite a test by qualifier Sania Mirza in the opening round, needing over two hours to progress 5-7, 6-3, 6-1. Mirza gave the Henin serve a serious working over in the early stages, peppering the Belgian's baseline with a series of powerful returns.
Henin ultimately proved too consistent but she was happy with the workout, declaring it was the type of test she needs, to prepare for the challenges to come.
"I think I need this kind of match exactly to really be into the tournament like I want to be and be at my best level. I know it can go very quickly at this level," she said. "Of course, I have the experience, but I need matches, I need rhythm, and I need fight, like tonight. And I remain confident, not only about the tournament but for the future.”
Even with her vast experience she admitted she had been a little nervous beforehand and the bad news for Baltacha is that the former champion is likely to be more settled for tonight's clash. Baltacha enjoyed the best season of her career last year to reach the edge of the top 50 and she made the third round of the 2010 Aussie Open. She had a testing encounter against a qualifier herself on Monday but is relishing the chance to take on a legend of the game.
However Baltacha has never come close to beating anyone of Henin's quality in a Grand Slam and unfortunately for her she does not have enough in her game to trouble the former champion.
