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Photo Credit: Porsche Tennis Grand Prix

(May 2, 2010) Steffi Graf inspired Justine Henin to pursue a professional tennis career. Roger Federer infused her desire to launch a comeback and today in Stuttgart Henin reclaimed her place as a champion.

The former World No. 1 won six of the last seven games to post a 6-4, 2-6, 6-1 triumph over Samantha Stosur in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final.

It was Henin's first tournament title since she concluded a 19-month sabbatical from tournament tennis. Playing the fifth tournament of her comeback, Henin captured her second Stuttgart title and became the wild card to take the title.

“I’m very emotional. It’s a special feeling and one that I haven’t had in the past two years," Henin said. "After being here in 2007, I never thought I’d be back in this fantastic arena. Let alone win here. That I was able to play on clay is great. Clay means so much to me. It was a sensational week for me. And it’s great being able to share my emotions with you guys here in the arena. I can tell you now, I’ll be trying to come back here next year."


Henin beat Julia Goerges, eighth-seeded compatriot Yanina Wickmayer, fourth-seeded Jelena Jankovic and Shahar Peer en route to reclaiming the Stuttgart title she won in her last appearance at the event in 2007.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion credited World No. 1 Federer for rekindling her competitive fire.

"When I saw Roger Federer winning the French Open (in 2009), I had a lot of respect. That brought back the fire that wasn't there any more," Henin said. "It's been a lot of work to get back and it's not over."

It was Henin's 42nd career title and her first since she won Antwerp in 2008.

The seventh-seeded Stosur, who crushed Vera Zvonareva to win the Family Circle Cup in Charleston, saw her 11-match clay-court winning streak come to an end.


"Justine was simply a bit too good for me today," said Stosur. "She put me under a lot of pressure, especially in the third set. But I’m still very happy. The tournament was fantastic and it was great being in the final."

The top-seeded team of Gisela Dulko and Flavia Pennetta fought off  No. 2 seeds Kveta Peschke and Katarina Srebotnik 3-6, 7-6(3), 10-5 to take the doubles title