Henin-Hardenne battles through

Seventh seed Justine Henin-Hardenne reached the U.S. Open third round yesterday with a below par 6-3 6-4 win over Spain's Maria Sanchez Lorenzo.

The French Open champion lost her opening service game before taking control against the world number 99 with some trademark backhand flourishes.

Henin-Hardenne seemed to be cruising when she led 4-1 in the second set but allowed Sanchez Lorenzo back into the match with numerous unforced errors before eventually finishing her off.

"I had little ups and downs but a lot of good things," said the Belgian. "I have to be more focused in my next match."

In round three the 2003 US Open champion plays Cho Yoon-jeong of South Korea who upset Argentine 27th seed Gisela Dulko 6-4 6-3.

Serbia and Montenegro's Jelena Jankovic, Henin-Hardenne's possible fourth round opponent, also advanced with a 6-2 6-0 thrashing of lanky 15-year-old American Alexa Glatch.

Other results: Women - Dechy bt King 6-1 6-1; Davenport bt Parmentier 6-4; 6-4. Men - Robredo bt Kuerten 5-7 7-6 6-3 6-2; Malisse bt Baker 6-7 6-2 6-3 6-4.