Paris: One winner-take-all set seemed like a final, and Justine Henin emerged the winner.
Back on center court on Sunday following an overnight suspension of play, Henin outslugged Maria Sharapova in a third-round showdown at the French Open, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
The two former No. 1s played the seesaw final set after the match was suspended late Saturday because of darkness. The pivotal moment came when Henin fell behind 0-2, love-40, then overcame four break points to hold.
She soon led 4-2, broke again for a 5-3 lead and served out the victory.
The victory extended Henin's winning streak at Roland Garros to 24 matches. It was the first meeting between the two rivals since Henin spent 20 months in retirement before mounting a career comeback this year.
On a windy, chilly, damp afternoon, both players took ferocious swings from the baseline and charged forward when they had the chance. Sharapova pumped her fist after almost every point she won — and often before points.
Henin found herself on the defensive at first, then began finding the corners, forcing Sharapova to hit on the run.
The showdown occurred early in the tournament because Sharapova was seeded 12th and Henin — climbing in the rankings since her return — is 22nd. Their nine previous meetings — Henin won six — all came in the quarterfinals or later.
Henin next plays No. 7 Samantha Stosur.
In fourth-round play, No. 5 Elena Dementieva beat unseeded Chanelle Scheepers 6-1, 6-3. No. 17 Francesca Schiavone defeated No. 30 Maria Kirilenko 6-4, 6-4.
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