Fans vividly remember the intense and controversial three-set championship match between Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin at the 2004 Australian Open. The high-stakes encounter left a lasting impression on tennis enthusiasts due to its drama and contentious moments.
by MOHAMMED AZMATHULLA
The all-Belgian final showcased the fierce rivalry between the two compatriots, and it culminated in a closely contested battle. Justine Henin emerged victorious in three sets, securing the championship with a 6-3, 4-6, 6-3 scoreline. However, the match was marred by a controversial line call during the third set tiebreak, which sparked debates and discussions among fans and experts alike.
The contentious nature of the match added an extra layer of intrigue to the already intense rivalry between Clijsters and Henin. The 2004 Australian Open final remains a memorable and talked-about moment in tennis history, not only for the high-quality play but also for the controversies that unfolded on the court.
Henin won her first two Major final meetings against Kim Clijsters at Roland Garros and the US Open in straight sets. The then-27-year-old looked on course for yet another rout in the 2004 Australian Open final, as she won the first set 6-3.
Justine Henin’s countrywoman steadied the ship in the second set though, taking it 6-4 to force a decider. Facing stiff resistance from Kim Clijsters, the former World No. 1 resorted to gamesmanship in the dying moments of the third set.
She was serving at break point down at 3-4 when Clijsters hit a volley inside the lines. The umpire was subsequently swayed by Henin gesturing that it was out, overruling the call in the latter’s favor. The then-26-year-old Clijsters didn’t recover from losing that point, succumbing to a 3-6, 6-4, 4-6 loss.
Tennis fans on Reddit brought the controversial match from the vault on Saturday (January 13). One even suggested that Justine Henin’s image would’ve been torn and tattered had social media existed in 2006.
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