The two women’s champions battled and grunted their way through a gruelling 1hr 36 minutes of continual play while the rain at Wimbledon held off throughout the entire match.

Both were favourites to win the title at Wimbledon but Justine Henin took the first set forcing Serena all over the court by mixing her shots extremely well, putting yet more pressure on Serena’s already heavily strapped left calf.

Serena fought back to win the second set, punishing Henin’s baseline errors with strength and determination.

As well as a strapped calf, Serena was always suffering with a painful wrist and Serena battled through forcing a third set.

but it was Justine Henin who raised her game by breaking Serena’s serve twice in the final set. Serena fought back and broke Henin’s serve and threatened to break again in the 10^th game. But it was Henin who came through to take the third set 6-3 – crowds were on their feet showing respect for both players.

Serena was criticised for gamesmanship after the match following the stop-start game-play in previous matches. But defending her, Martina Navratilova said "She was looking pretty unfit, she needs to get in the Gym - when your;e younger things come back much quicker, she has amazing upper body strength"

"Henin is on her game, happy in her private life and itreally shows" said Martina -"She's playing the best tennis of her life, she's made for this - she's got all the shots and so she should win".

Henin is now into her 5^th semi-final at Wimbledon and will face Bartolli on Friday.