Serena felt 'violated' by Henin defeat

Updated 10.41 Wed Jun 06 2007
Keywords: Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova, Justine Henin-Hardenne, French Open, tennis, sport

Serena Williams has admitted that she felt "violated" after being knocked out of the French Open by defending champion Justine Henin.

The 25-year-old Belgian dispensed with 2002 champion Williams 6-4 6-3 in their quarter-final meeting at Roland Garros.

"I just pretty much stood back and let her take advantage of me. And I feel violated" - Serena Williams

And the American reflected after her failure to reach the last four in Paris: "I just pretty much stood back and let her take advantage of me. And I feel violated."

Henin knew that she had to keep her emotions in check against Williams to keep her dream of sealing a hat-trick of French Open titles alive.

The Belgian said after setting up a semi-final clash with Serbian Jelena Jankovic: "I thought I did a good job and I did everything I could to control the match.

"From the first point until the end, I was very focused. I was concentrated and aggressive when I had to be. I just knew if I was mentally and emotionally in control I was going to win this match."

Jankovic booked her place in the last four with a 6-3 7-5 victory over Nicole Vaidisova of the the Czech Republic. Ana Ivanovic will take on Maria Sharapova in the other semi-final clash in Paris.

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