Maria Sharapova: Early Showdown with Henin

The two former No. 1s, owners of a combined 10 Grand Slam titles, set up an attention-worthy showdown in the French Open's third round Saturday by wrapping up matter-of-fact victories on a sun-soaked, busy Friday.



That is scheduled to be followed in the main stadium by Sharapova vs. Henin, two women with decidedly different ways of looking at their most recent encounter, a straight-set win by Sharapova in the 2008 Australian Open quarterfinals.

It has transpired in the nearly 2 1/2 years since Maria Sharapova and Justine Henin last played each other.


Sharapova needed right shoulder surgery and was off the tour for 10 months.
Then missed time with a right elbow injury & Henin abruptly announced her retirement and stayed away for 20 months, then returned, happier off the court and, so far, almost as good on it.

"Comes very early, of course, third round," Henin said. "But I feel ready for it."