World number one Justine Henin won her second tournament of the year on Sunday, beating Karin Knapp of Italy 6-3 6-3 at the Antwerp Diamond Games.
The Belgian, who had been troubled by a knee injury at last month’s Australian Open, rarely produced her best tennis.
But the seven-time Grand Slam winner had enough experience to win her home event in front of 13,600 fans.
“It’s so great to win in Belgium. That was really my goal and I’m so happy I was able to do it,” she said.
“I’ve had tough matches but came through. This is a very emotional moment for me.”
Henin broke Knapp to race to a 5-2 lead in the first set before the Italian broke back.
Knapp then dropped her serve in the next game to give Henin the set.
The Belgian broke again in the second set and although Knapp had a chance to break back in the seventh game her forehand was long, and Henin held serve to win in straight sets.
Henin, who did not have to play a single seed during the tournament, has now won 10 finals in a row, and last tasted defeat against Serena Williams in Miami in April last year.
Source: Henin cruises to Antwerp victory
