Henin ends 2007 with 10 titles and unbeaten in 25 matches
Justine Henin completed a magnificent season with an epic victory over Maria Sharapova in the final of the Sony Ericsson Championships in Madrid.
The Belgian won 5-7 7-5 6-3 in three hours 25 minutes to retain her title.
She saved seven set points before losing the opener but edged the second and was the stronger in the decider.
Henin equals Steffi Graf's 25-match unbeaten run of 1989 and becomes the first player to win 10 titles in a season since Martina Hingis in 1997.
She is also the first woman ever to win over US$5m in one year.
"I think I can still improve a lot, in my attitude especially," said the 25-year-old champion.
"I wouldn't say I played my best tennis, I was just fighting a lot. I played with my heart and it was great because that brings a lot of emotions.
"But I have to keep improving my aggressive game, moving forward and taking my opportunities."
With Sharapova still on her way back from a shoulder injury, the Belgian went into the final as a strong favourite.
But Sharapova had surprised everyone with her form in Madrid and her ever-present battling qualities were soon in evidence as she recovered from an early break in game four.
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