Henin-Hardenne Wins in Second 2005 Appearance at WTA Charleston

Former world No. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne took a big step toward reclaiming the top spot by year's end in 2005, on Sunday defeating No. 2-seeded Elena Dementieva 7-5, 6-4 for the title at the WTA stop in Charleston.

"I won 20 tournaments in my career and this one is very special because it is after such a long, hard time," said Henin-Hardenne, playing in only her second tournament of the year. "It's been very emotional for me today because I come from something really bad, very bad experience last year."

Henin-Hardenne is now 11-0 in Charleston after winning in her last appearance in 2003, and rose to No. 22 on the WTA Rankings.

Dementieva, the perennial bridesmaid who was runner-up last year at the French and US Opens, was again let down by her freakishly-bad serve.

"She was playing unbelievable today. In the second set, you know, I just missed a great chance to make it 5-4 for me on my serve," Dementieva said.

In the doubles final, No. 2-seeded Spaniards Martinez/Ruano Pascual spanked Czechs Benesova/Peschke 6-1, 6-4 for their first title of the year.