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Justine Henin earns shot at home victory

Kei Nishikori returns the ball Sam Querrey during their men's singles semi-final at the International Tennis Championships in Delray Beach, Florida, on Saturday. PHOTO: AP

Justine Henin was to face Italian outsider Karin Knapp in the final of the last Diamond Games yesterday hoping to bid an emotional farewell to her home tournament with victory.

The world No. 1 took a step closer to her dream of a first title on home ground with a 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 semi-final victory over Swiss qualifier Timea Bacsiszky on Saturday, while Knapp put out China's Li Na 6-4, 7-6 (7/5).

As she settles back into tennis after losing last month in the Australian Open quarter-finals to Maria Sharapova, Henin said she is still coming to terms with the knee problem which compromised her season start.

"The knee is 100 percent now," she said after going through in just more than two hours.

"But I was playing in pain in Australia, I came back and had to take an injection and rest. I'm not a machine. A lot changed in my life over the past 12 months [divorce and a reconciliation with her family]. I've had time to reflect on that as well," Henin said.

Henin is making a sentimental journey as she plays in her native country on the WTA tour for only the third time.

It could also be her last chance for a home title, with the tournament falling victim to a schedule change which will wipe the popular and well-attended event from the calendar from next year.

"The crowd was amazing, they helped me through tough moments," said the holder of 40 titles, including seven Grand Slams.

Henin again got off to a slow start before imposing her game on the 94th-ranked Swiss Bacsinszky, playing in her first semi-final.

"It was a tough match, Timea has been playing well this week," said the Belgian, who needed four match points to wrap up the contest after the Swiss saved three in the penultimate game.

Henin improved her record 10-1 this season as she beat Bacsinszky in their first career meeting.

"My goal this week was to be here for the final. I've never won at home and it would be so great to do so," said Henin ahead of her first career meeting with Knapp.

"It would be fantastic, a real thrill," she said.
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