The American left the court in tears after being jeered by the partisan Paris public who had swung behind the underdog after a series of controversial incidents.
PARIS: World number one Justine Henin kept her dream of a fourth French Open title alive Tuesday when she brushed aside Australian Open champion Serena Williams 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semi-finals at Roland Garros.
The eagerly awaited clash between the two stars, considered by many the final before the final, never lived-up to expectations as Henin gave the 2002 champion a lesson in clay court tennis.
The centre court clash also marked the first time Henin and Williams have played at Roland Garros since their controversial semi-final in 2003 when Henin defeated the defending champion in three sets.
The American left the court in tears after being jeered by the partisan Paris public who had swung behind the underdog after a series of controversial incidents.
And the 25-year-old American again had the jeers of the crowd ringing in her ears as frustrated by her inability to break down her opponent she smashed her racket to the ground.
Henin has not lost a match at Roland Garros since being upset by Italy's Tathiana Garbin in the second round in 2004 when she was the defending champion.
"I like this type of situation," admitted Henin.
"I knew today that the competition was going to be tough and that I would have to keep my head and play calmly. Every match now is the final," added the 25-year-old, who will next meet Serbian fourth seed Jelena Jankovic.
Despite her vow to avenge her 2003 loss to the Belgian here, Williams was under pressure from the outset losing her opening service game.
And despite achieving less than half her first serves, the Belgian wrapped up the first set 6-4 after 40 minutes with a powerful forehand down the line.
Williams again had to contend with the jeers from the crowd as she smashed her racket to the ground after again losing her opening service game in the second set.
Rather than let it demoralise her she hit back immediately claiming her opponent's serve to love.
But Henin, who missed the Australian Open following the breakup of her marriage, broke back immediately, and held firm to claim the tie on her first match as Williams netted.
Henin has won the title here in 2003, 2005 and 2006.
But despite being the favourite the five-time Grand Slam winner said she was expecting a tough challenge from Jankovic whom she has beaten in all five of their previous meetings.
"It's going to be another difficult match. I'm one of the oldest on the circuit now. Tennis is evolving and new players are coming through," she added of a player who is just three years her junior.
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