Rob McLean - Henin and Clijsters can light up the Tour
Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal have an extraordinary rivalry, but for those fans who like a few verbal volleys with their forehands, it may be too much of a mutual appreciation society, a far cry from the animosity that characterised the Jimmy Connors/John McEnroe battles.
No one is suggesting that the two returning Belgians, Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters, are about to have a cat fight. They are not bosom buddies and a possible first meeting for over three years at the Brisbane International midway through January is just the appetiser before the main course of the Australian Open later that month.
They last played each other at Wimbledon in 2006 and Henin leads their head-to-head matches 12-10 but, significantly, has a better record in Slams and won their three meetings in finals.
The careers of the two former world No1s from the same country have run parallel. The similarities end there with Henin, the pocket battleship and killer backhand compared to Clijsters, strong legs and devastating forehand.
Off the court it is chalk and cheese. Clijsters, Flemish-speaking, gregarious, big smile and sunny dispostion; Henin, from the French-speaking part of Belgium, exudes a rather introverted, self-centred persona.
Although they claim to get on, there appears to be a distinct coolness in their relationship and when they mention each other, it is normally with a perfunctory comment straight out of the book of Buckingham Palace's telegrams.
Clijsters came back in August after having a baby and sensationally won the US Open. Soon afterwards, Henin returned to the game after nearly two years away and they have both said the motivation is to try to win Wimbledon for the first time.
Henin lost two finals there, one to recently retired Amelie Mauresmo in 2006 and she has sometimes seemed less than gracious in defeat with her handshake at the end either the limp or wet variety.
Against the same opponent in the Australian Open final she retired hurt when defeat was pretty much certain, thus not allowing her opponent to savour the moment of victory.
The Belgians have set out their stall for the All England Club and this will delight the 'anyone in the final but the Williams sisters brigade'.
Their return just adds to the feeling that the women's tour is set for one of the most exciting seasons for years. As well as the sisters, Maria Sharapova is almost back to her best, Ana Ivanovic may have finally jettonised the catwalk to concentrate on the court and there are several other players who will make big challenges, which means more competitive matches in later rounds and fewer double bagels.
BRIT WATCH: Elton John won't win Wimbledon but like Cliff Richard he will get free Centre Court tickets. And so he should, he said through gritted teeth, he is a world class fundraiser. He recently took part in his AIDS charity doubles event in the States with the new tantrum queen, Serena Williams.
This reminded me of a documentary on Elton made by his partner, David Furnish, which was called 'Tantrums and Tiaras' and showed Elton in his most prima donna mode.
There was a memorable scene of the former Watford chairman storming off a tennis court after an onlooker had interrupted his match by shouting, 'Cooey'. The mixed doubles event has been introduced for the 2012 London Olympics and they might as well give us the gold medals now. Andy Murray and Laura Robson begin their partnership for GB in the Hopman Cup team event in January. Two years on they should be unbeatable.
READ ROB MCLEAN EXCLUSIVELY AT TENNIS.CO.UK
Date published :
23 Dec 2009 - 13:46:35
