Leipzig, Sept 25: US Open champion Justin Henin-Hardenne has said that she has no axe to grind with compatriot and world number one Kim Clijsters following comments made by Clijsters' father at the US Open.
"There are no more problems between me and Kim," insisted Henin-Hardenne, "i was disappointed about the comments (by Clijsters' father), but they belong in the past."
"I rate Kim highly, she is a worthy number one."
Clijsters' father, Leo, sparked the row by casting doubts on how Henin-Hardenne had added some much-needed muscle to her physique during the winter break. That followed comments by Clijsters herself suggesting that Henin-Hardenne was not adverse to using injury breaks to her advantage during games.

Clijsters, from the Flemish-speaking region of Belgium, was generally regarded as the better player of the two last year but Henin-Hardenne, a French speaker from Wallonia, has had the upper hand this year including back-to-back wins in the French and US Open finals.



Clijsters, 20, backed up the claims of Henin-Hardenne and added that the Belgian duo were now on friendly terms.



"We are good friends," she said. "The topic has been blown out of proportion."



Despite the pair putting aside their problems off the court the rivalry on it will be as fierce as ever at the WTA tournament here this week where the pair are seeded to meet in Sunday's final.



Henin-hardenne has her sights set on taking the number one spot. "I am raring to go," said Henin. "Of course I want to be the number one in the world but i will not put myself under pressure."


Bureau Report