Today’s Women’s finals shapes up to be a battle of wills between two gifted competitors with different styles of play. Serena Williams, the four time Australian Open Champion with 11 Grand Slam titles and $28 million in career earnings, is being challenged by an unseeded Belgian who was retired a month ago. Granted the Belgian has one Australian Open of her own in her seven Grand Slam titles and almost $20 million in earnings but she is only 5’6” and 126 pounds. The 5’9” Williams tips in at a solid 159 pounds.

The bookmakers give the edge to Williams (4/5). The top seed has struggled in her last two matches and will benefit from a day in the Jacuzzi where she may get some much needed relief from thigh, calf and ankle injuries.

Henin (even) had an easy semifinal match but worked her way through the tournament’s most difficult bracket. The slight underdog has struggled with her serve throughout the event. In fact, she has had to overcome her serving deficiencies in three of her six matches.

That has not been the case with Serena. For the most part, Serena’s trademark blast has been there when she really needed it. In her semifinal win, she lost serve once. Against Azarenka in the quarters, she went through a spell where she struggled but when she turned it around, there was no stopping her.

Of course the media has been all over the two players. When questioned, Henin offered a little insight;

“I see it as an opportunity to play the number 1 player in the world in a Grand Slam final. It’s more than a dream for me. It’s a perfect challenge. And, I love that kid of challenge…. I think it’s gonna be really mental. I mean the one who wants it more will win probably.”

Henin folllowed with a suggestion that her strategy would be to come out aggressively. Attacking the Williams serve is no easy task. When Belgian Kim Clijsters upset Williams in the U.S. Open, she actually out-served Serena. Clijsters will have to rely on finesse and her deadly one-handed backhand to offset the Williams power game.

Williams needs to recover. Henin has shown an ability to move opponents around the court. If Serena is not fit to cover the court, she could be in for a tough day.

It seems important for Williams to get off the blocks early in this match. Falling behind to Henin could be a mistake. Unlike Azarenka or Li, Henin believes she can win.

It is never easy to bet against Serena Williams, but we think Henin has the right stuff and the mental toughness to hold the course. Time will tell.