Henin pips Jankovic to win title

Henin was playing her first tournament since Wimbledon

Justine Henin maintained her perfect career record against Jelena Jankovic to claim her sixth title of the year at the Rogers Cup in Toronto.

The world number one won a tight opening set 7-3 on the tie-break before Jankovic went 4-2 up in the second.

Henin hit back to level and squandered a match point at 5-4 before taking a mammoth 11th game of eight deuces in which Jankovic had six break points.

Henin wasted five more match points before wrapping up a 7-6 7-5 victory.

It was her seventh victory in as many meetings with Jankovic, who battled bravely before finally succumbing to the Belgian's onslaught.

"It was tough at the end of the match," said Henin, who revealed her participation was in doubt with a sore shoulder before some intensive physiotherapy on the morning of the match.

I give her one finger and she takes the whole hand Jelena Jankovic

"There was a lot of suspense and intensity and both of us played our best tennis at the end. We both had a lot of opportunities but fortunately I was able to come through in the end. I am very happy to win."

Victory in her first tournament since Wimbledon, and her 35th career title, provided Henin with a welcome boost ahead of the US Open starting on 27 August.

"I had five matches and won them all in two sets so it has been a great week for me," she added.

"I was feeling 100% during the match but it's going to be sore for a few days.

"I'll be fine for the US Open, but I was really concerned about playing on it in this final."

Jankovic admitted she could not live with Henin's indomitable spirit despite showing plenty of her own.

"I give her one finger and she takes the whole hand," said the 22-year-old Serb.

"She is a player who takes every chance you give her. You cannot give her anything."