She’s Finally Back for Seconds

When her first WTA Tour singles title came against a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, it worked as both burden and blessing for Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia.

If that sounds confusing, consider this: That victory in the Indian Wells final was against Martina Hingis in 2002. Hantuchova has not won another title since.

This passing-of-the-torch thing doesn’t always go according to plan in women’s tennis. Hantuchova, once regarded as a Next Big Thing, went from No. 5 in the world in early 2003 to No. 31 at the end of 2004.

Finally, she seems to be realizing the early promise of 2002. The 22-year-old will attempt to win the second tournament title of her career, facing fifth-seeded Kim Clijsters of Belgium in today’s final of the JPMorgan Chase Open at Home Depot Center in Carson.

Clijsters, who won here in 2003, defeated No. 13-seeded Francesca Schiavone of Italy, 6-2, 6-4, in 70 minutes Saturday night. After dropping the opening two games, Clijsters won seven in a row and later survived a brief second-set lapse.

Unlike Clijsters, No. 9 Hantuchova never trailed in her semifinal, defeating third-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia, 6-3, 6-4, in about an hour and a half. It was just her third victory against Dementieva in nine matches and first in their last four meetings.

“It’s great,” said Hantuchova, who will be in her first final since losing at Eastbourne, England, in June 2004. “I’m really excited to be in the finals again. I felt like I had a great summer so far, just hope to keep this momentum going. Everything feels good at the moment.

”... I’ve been playing pretty well. I just tried to make sure I do the right things on the court, not trying to go for stupid shots and being more patient. And most of all, just having fun.”

She had the complete package going against an erratic Dementieva, blending power and clever use of angles. Hantuchova served well, hitting three aces and no double faults and facing only two break points.

Dementieva was unable to convert either, the second coming in the eighth game of the second set. She netted a forehand on break point, and Hantuchova followed with a service winner and an ace to hold.

“I thought I started to play my game at the end of the match, but I think it was too late,” Dementieva said. “She moved me around very well, and I was playing kind of defense the whole time, and that’s what I don’t like so well. I think that’s the best match she played against me.”

It will likely take more than that in today’s final. Clijsters has been nearly invincible in the United States, winning 30 of her last 31 matches going back to her title run at the WTA Championships in November 2003.

Her new boyfriend, Brian Lynch, who played basketball at Villanova, perused a James Patterson novel during her match. Clijsters said she bought him the book and wasn’t offended by his courtside reading.

“I prefer people who are relaxed,” Clijsters said, smiling. “... I don’t want the people jumping up.”

She has never lost to Hantuchova, dropping one set in six matches. They have played twice in 2005, at the French Open and at Palo Alto last month, with Clijsters winning, 6-3, 6-1, in the quarterfinals.

“I just have to make sure I keep hanging in there,” Clijsters said. “She’s the type of player who can come out and hit a lot of winners.”