Saturday, 1st September 2007 at 12:04 pm

Henin-Hardenne flying in New York

Week one at Flushing Meadows is almost done, and aside from the departure of Tiger Tim (Feverpitcher might be rather emotional come Wimbledon next year, and is already planning to lay a wreath on Henman Hill), it’s been strong performances from the favourites that’s caught the eye. An injured Rafael Nadal as looked vulnerable, but Roger Federer has raced through his opening matches, both Williams sisters are still in…

…and then there’s Justine Henin-Hardenne. Feverpitcher has always admired the little Belgian, who looks far too slight to be able to compete with the muscular authority of a Williams or a Mauresmo, or even the stocky power game of fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters. But speed, determination, and one of the game’s finest backhands have allowed her to stake a claim as one of the game’s modern greats, a stature winning this year’s US Open will only enhance.

Henin-Hardenne is through comfortably to round four, and while the Williams duo loom large amongst the hurdles still to overcome, Feverpitcher might just put a little money on the petite Belgian to emerge triumphant in New York next weekend. If we have any money left, that is, after drowning our sorrows following Henman’s departures - years of cheerfully mocking the annual British obsession with Tiger Tim’s doomed Wimbledon quest will finally, and with great sadness, have to come to an end…