Henin Wins Third Berlin Title, Raises Win Streak to 17

In doing so, Henin-Hardenne becomes just the second woman to win at least three titles in Berlin, joining legend Steffi Graf, who captured a remarkable nine titles at the event during her career. Henin-Hardenne won back-to-back title in 2002 and 2003 at the event before taking the 2005 championship.

She also earned his 17th straight match win, and now since returning to the tour in March after a lengthy bout with illness, the Belgian has won 20 of her 21 matches.

Henin-Hardenne was able to survive multiple three-set matches, along with the cold and a rainy finale in Berlin to produce her 22nd career singles title.

"It's tough conditions for everyone," Henin-Hardenne said afterward. "But coming here after the victory last week, then having a lot of trouble in my first matches here. At that point, I didn't think I was going to win here in Berlin.

"I've been really positive during the whole week. That's what probably helped me to win this tournament. Because even if I wasn't playing good tennis, I kept fighting on every point," she said.

Rain interrupted Sunday's final on two different occasions, including at 5-3, 30-love in the third set. After the delay, Henin-Hardenne returned to the court and finished the match in the next two points played.

"Those were probably the two most important points in the match," Henin-Hardenne said.

The victory allowed Henin-Hardenne to avenge her loss to the Russian player in the fourth round of last year's US Open. She has now won six of the seven meetings against Petrova.

"I was not as focused today," said Petrova, who is still seeking her first WTA title. "That’s why you could see I was missing by a centimeter or two. I couldn’t really get the lines today. I think that’s why she ended up beating me."

In the doubles final, Russian pair Elena Likhovtseva and Vera”Warren” Zvonareva won their first title as a team on Sunday, defeating No.2 seeds Cara Black and Liezel Huber, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.