SIDEBAR: Henin admits frustration at slow elbow recovery

Jan 21, 2011, 6:30 GMT

Melbourne - Seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin was digesting her earliest Grand Slam defeat in six years after losing to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 7-6 (10-8) Friday to exit in the third round of the Australian Open in Melbourne.

Henin retired from tennis as world number one in May 2008, but returned less then two years later in January 2010, going on to reach the Melbourne final in that season.

Her third-round loss on Friday to former number two Kuznetsova was Henin's earliest defeat at a major since going out in the Wimbledon first round in 2005.

Henin has been grappling with an elbow injury she suffered during a fall against Kim Clijsters last summer at Wimbledon. Recovery has been slow and the 28-year-old only returned to the game this month after half a year out.

'There are no excuses about that,' the determined Belgian said. 'It wasn't that easy for me today; it wasn't the best day I've had in my career so far,' she said, adding 'I hope next time it's going to be better.'

Henin still put Kuznetsova to the test, saving three match points in the second-set tiebreaker but also hitting two double faults. The Russian, a two-time champion at majors, also failed twice to serve out victory before going through to the fourth round.

'I know I'm not 100 per cent, I knew it before walking on the court,' said Henin. 'It's been difficult the last three days on my elbow and I just did everything that I could that it will be okay, but it wasn't enough.'

'Svetlana played a good match. She has been really much more aggressive than me, coming a lot to the net and going for the winners. She has all the credit today.'

Henin's work ethic which has served her well her entire career has not faded in the face of her injury.

'I could have been at home this week, but I'm here to compete. I'm not at my best yet, but I've had a lot of improvement in the last few months. I knew it was serious problem. It's not the end yet. I will have to be patient.'

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