A Kinder, Gentler Rematch?

Unless the Wimbledon crowd turns radical and becomes rowdy in waiting for Tim Henman’s match to resume, defending champion Serena Williams will be facing only one opponent in today’s semifinal.

Just Justine.

There shouldn’t be a repeat of the French Open, where the supporters of Justine Henin-Hardenne became a major factor in Williams’ downfall in the semifinals. Henin-Hardenne, of nearby Belgium, might as well have been from Paris the way the fans reacted at Roland Garros, pulling her along to victory, and, in the aftermath, the Williams camp raised questions about their motivation.

“It’s fine playing against a crowd that’s going against you; it’s just a little tough to play against people that are booing in between first and second serves,” said Williams, who broke down in tears at her news conference after the loss.

Henin-Hardenne, the only one of the four remaining players not to lose a set at Wimbledon, said they are “just professional” and “colleagues.”

No. 1 Williams and No. 3 Henin-Hardenne will play in today’s first match on Centre Court. Then, following the completion of the Henman-Sebastien Grosjean quarterfinal is the other semifinal between No. 2 Kim Clijsters of Belgium and No. 4 Venus Williams. Clijsters could become No. 1, even if she loses in the semifinals. She would move into that spot if Serena goes out in the semifinals to Henin-Hardenne. Serena retains the top ranking if she beats Henin-Hardenne and Venus defeats Clijsters.

Serena leads Henin-Hardenne, 4-3, in head-to-head matches; Venus has won four of her six matches against Clijsters.

There has been more talk about Paris, however, than the No. 1 ranking. Serena sounded almost resigned about crowd behavior.

“I always expect the worst. At least now I do,” she said of the boos, perhaps traced in part to her mimicking in a French accent earlier this year France’s stance on U.S. military action in Iraq. “That way, you never have to be surprised. I always try to think very pessimistic. That way I won’t be disappointed.”

She did try to put the bitterness of France aside, saying Wimbledon fans were more polite than the French crowds.

“That’s one thing I love about Wimbledon is they appreciate good tennis. Whoever is playing good tennis they really appreciate it. Unless of course you’re playing Tim Henman,” Williams said, smiling.