Classy Henin eases past Dushevina

LONDON, June 27 (Reuters) World number one Justine Henin outclassed Russian Vera Dushevina 6-0 6-4 in the second round of Wimbledon today in her bid to capture the only grand slam title to elude her.

French Open champion Henin played the match with black strapping on her lower right leg which she said was to combat tendinitis.

''I've started to get a little bit of tendinitis in my right foot and it's been bothering me in the last few days,'' top seed Henin told reporters but added it was not affecting her game.

Indeed, the problem did not appear to trouble the tournament favourite who broke Dushevina in the opening game and went on to ease through the first set in 20 minutes.

Dushevina, who had never previously got past the first round in three attempts, settled down in the second set, holding her serve in the opening game.

After being broken in the third game, the world number 83 even managed to level things up again at 3-3 when the Belgian put a forehand into the net.

Unperturbed, Henin immediately broke for the second time but at 5-4 her concentration broke and Dushevina forced a break point only to hit the ball out.

The former US and Australian Open champion then went on the attack to secure her place in the third round, finishing the match with an ace, although her celebrations had to wait until Hawkeye verified the serve was in.

''In the first set I played superbly. My first serve was flowing,'' said Henin, who extended her winning streak to 13 matches.

''In the second set there was some games where I lost a bit of concentration which is typical for me,'' added the 24-year-old, who has twice been a finalist at Wimbledon and lost to France's Amelie Mauresmo last year.

She faces another Russian, Elena Vesnina, in the third round.

Reuters NY RN2256