Sharapova takes U.S. tennis title

September 10, 2006 19-year old Maria Sharapova won her first US Open title, defeating Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne 6-4, 6-4 in the Saturday final. The match lasted over 90-minuites, in which Sharapova used her powerful serve, and forehand to command the entire match.

The day before the final, Sharapova defeated world number one Amelie Mauresmo in the semi-final match. Justine Henin-Hardenne defeated the Serb Jelena Jankovik 4-6, 6-4, 4-0.

Before the final Henin-Hardenne had an impressive 4-1 record against Sharapova, with 4 straight wins.

After her win, Sharapova said that she was excited to be in "...her favorite city in the world." She also commented that "This is an amazing honor."

She continued by crediting tennis great Billie Jean King for "just being an amazing woman."

Henin-Hardenne also reached all four Grand Slam finals in 2006, yet only took the French Open title home.