Sharapova predicts win

Sharapova has only won one of the five previous meetings between the two, but after having upset world number one Amelie Mauresmo 6-0 4-6 6-0 in the semi-finals, the Russian teenager is full of confidence.

"I hadn't beaten Amelie in a competition match before," said Sharapova, who defeated Mauresmo in a 2004 walkover but had lost all three matches against her. "And I beat her today.

"I don't have a great record with Justine, so it doesn't really matter. It's a new match, a new opportunity.

"I know I've beaten her before, and I know that I'm playing good tennis and I'm confident. I'm looking forward to beating her again."

Sharapova has been seen as somewhat of an underachiever in grand slams in recent years, with Saturday's US Open final the first time she has reached one of the big four finals since her breakout win at Wimbledon as a 17 year-old in 2004.

Henin-Hardenne admits that Sharapova's recent famine in the majors will make her a particularly hungry opponent.

"She's still looking for her second grand slam title, so she will have a lot of motivation," said the 2003 US Open winner.

Henin-Hardenne will be playing her fourth grand slam final in 2006, making her just one of seven women to accomplish the feat.

"It's a great feeling," said the five-times grand slam champion.

"It's an amazing season for me. It's almost a dream this year. I wish I will have one more grand slam title now.

"But in 2006, it's been unbelievable."

The 24-year-old Belgian reached the U.S. Open final by beating 19th seed Jelena Jankovic of Serbia 4-6 6-4 6-0.

Henin-Hardenne's nagging back injury flared up against Jankovic but the number two seed said she was "going to be just fine".

"It's been pretty painful the last few days," she said.

"I couldn't serve a lot during my practice. I just have to keep fighting. It's not easy to play with the pain.

"But I think every athlete has to deal with a little bit of pain at the end of a grand slam. It's tough, but I have to deal with it."

If Henin-Hardenne can overcome the pain and beat Sharapova, the Belgian will displace Amelie Mauresmo as world number 1 and complete grand slam number six.