Henin-Hardenne overcomes illness
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Henin-Hardenne: "I'm sure that I'll be better in 24 hours."
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MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters) -- Justine Henin-Hardenne has caught the mystery bug that has hit some of the players at the Australian Open.
The Belgian world number one told a news conference after her 6-1 6-4 win over French qualifier Camille Pin on Wednesday that the virus had left her feeling tired.
"I've not been feeling well for two or three days now," she said. "I wasn't feeling great on the court. I lost a little bit of my concentration."
Henin-Hardenne is the latest top player to have caught the gastric virus which usually lasts about 48 hours.
French Open finalist Martin Verkerk was forced to retire from his semifinal with Lleyton Hewitt at last week's Sydney International after suddenly feeling sick and British number two Greg Rusedski said he had caught the bug as well.
"I'm sure that I'll be better in 24 hours," Henin-Hardenne said. "I was already feeling a little better but with the stress and everything it's coming back."
Henin-Hardenne will play 30th seed Svetlana Kuznetsova in the third round on Friday after the Russian beat Antonella Serra Zanetti 7-6 6-4.
While Henin-Hardenne raced through the first set against Pin, she had to work a little harder than expected in the second as she started to show signs of fatigue.
The tournament favorite lost her serve then had to save another break point to reach 4-4 before winning the last two games to wrap it up.
"I agree that I didn't play my best tennis today but these are the sort of matches you have to win even if you're not playing great," the 21-year-old said.
"It's hard to play against her, she has a different style of game and you never know what to expect.
"But I'm in the third round and that's the most important thing right now."
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