Tennis: Henin falls in Berlin, French Open prospects in doubt

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The French Open just blew wide open for both the men and women ballers this week.

A day after 3-time defending French Open champion Rafael Nadal was dumped out of the Rome Masters, 4-time defending champ Justine Henin was unceremoniously booted from the German Open in the third round by Russian Dinara Safina 5-7, 6-3, 6-1.

"During the whole match I didn't have the intensity and the consistency and it was quite tough. There's nothing more I can really say. She's been better. That's it," Henin said about the loss.

The world no. 1 has struggled with injuries and motivation this year after a spectacular 2007 which saw Henin win 10 of 14 events entered including 2 Grand Slams (French and US Opens), end second consecutive year at no. 1 (third overall), and become the first woman in history to win over $5 million in a single year.

This loss at a tournament she's won 3 times against a baller she owned 5-0 is a worrisome sign for the 25-year old before the season's second Grand Slam on May 25th. Will Henin regain her confidence in time?

Source: Down the Line!

Originally posted by Rich Rodriguez