Henin-Hardenne holds nerve to claim third crown

PARIS, June 10 (Reuters) Justine Henin-Hardenne believes keeping a check on her nerves was the key to winning her third French Open crown today.

''What makes the difference is how you manage your nerve. No one sleeps well the day before a grand slam final,'' the fifth seed told reporters after retaining her title with a 6-4 6-4 victory over Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova.

The Belgian acknowledged she had previously lost matches due to jitters.

''I have thrown away some matches in the past because I was too nervous,'' she said.

''During these two weeks in Paris, I have been able to accept that some things were not going my way.

''I have been able to turn situations by keeping calm.'' Henin-Hardenne, who was sidelined for months during 2004 with an energy-sapping illness, also said was she exhausted after her run to a third Roland Garros title in four years.

''I lose a lot of energy during a grand slam because I cannot sleep well,'' said Henin-Hardenne, who rallied from 2-0 down in the second set to win in straight sets.

''Physically I did suffer a lot. I was feeling very tired. When she came back into the match I tried to play point after point.

''But I played my best in the crucial games. For instance it was very important to come back early in the second set.'' Despite becoming the first woman since Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in 1994 to capture the women's title without dropping a set, Henin-Hardenne was critical of her own performance.

''I have not played my best tennis. Neither today, nor during the tournament,'' she said.

The Belgian joined Margaret Court, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf and Monica Seles as the only women to win back-to-back titles at Roland Garros.

''It's amazing to be with all these names. It's only my fifth grand slam and I will never be like these players,'' she said.

''I do not even dare compare myself to them.'' REUTERS SI BD2337