Henin wins thrilling all-Belgian final

The pair, warming up for the French Open starting on May 26 where they promise to offer the biggest challenge to the Williams sisters, had never faced each other before in the final of a major event.

For Henin-Hardenne, seeded third in the $1.2 million claycourt tournament, victory meant she had successfully defended the title she won by beating Serena Williams in last year’s final.

By reaching the final, top seed Clijsters had done enough to regain the world number two spot she briefly lost to Venus Williams.

Both players struggled to hold serve in the first set, Henin-Hardenne opening up a 3-0 lead before Clijsters fought back to level it at 3-3.

Henin-Hardenne managed the telling break in the ninth game and then served for the set, taking it with her opponent hitting a backhand into the net.

Clijsters received medical treatment before the second set began and returned with a bandage around her upper left thigh.

The two traded breaks again early in the second set before the 20-year-old Henin-Hardenne, broke her 19-year-old opponent twice more to move 4-1 up.

Clijsters responded by taking the next five games and levelled the match when Henin-Hardenne firing a backhand.