Eighth seed Justine Henin-Hardenne put injury concerns aside to overpower Russian Maria Sharapova [ Images ] on Thursday and reach the Australian Open [ Images ] final.

Paes-Damm in men's doubles final

The Belgian, who was unable to defend her 2004 Melbourne [ Images ] crown last year through injury, ground fourth seed Sharapova down to win 4-6, 6-1, 6-4, stretching her winning streak in Australia [ Images ] to an extraordinary 20 matches.

Henin-Hardenne will play third seed Amelie Mauresmo [ Images ] in Saturday's final after second seed Kim Clijsters [ Images ] was forced to retire due to an ankle injury in their semi-final.

"I think it was a great match, very intense physically and mentally," a delighted Henin-Hardenne told a news conference after her two hour, 26 minute battle on Rod Laver Arena.

"Maria, she played a great match, the best I've seen her play in a long time," she said.

The win was especially sweet for Henin-Hardenne, who has had to overcome a long battle with injuries.

She was unable to defend her 2004 title last year because of a knee injury but returned to win the French Open [ Images ], only then to suffer a hamstring injury that cut short her 2005 campaign and threatened her visit to Australia.

But she shrugged off her injury woes to win the Sydney [ Images ] International two weeks ago, just as she did in 2004, installing herself as a firm favourite with bookmakers to win her second Australian title and her fifth grand slam.

"When I arrived here I was coming to play a couple of matches and get my confidence back," Henin-Hardenne said.

"It's been tough for me to be injured for such a long time and then coming back in my first grand slam, being in the final again, I think it's just an amazing feeling."

REVENGE

Henin-Hardenne admitted she had a score to settle after missing the tournament last year but said she first wanted to enjoy the win before starting to think about Saturday's opponent.

"I think I had maybe a little bit of revenge on my mind to come here," she said.

The Belgian had to come back from a set down for the second match in a row after she fought back to down top seed Lindsay Davenport [ Images ] in the quarter-finals.

Sharapova, beaten by eventual champion Serena Williams [ Images ] at the same stage last year, battled hard but could not match the Belgian's tenacity and killer backhand.

The Russian drew Henin-Hardenne into long rallies and used greater shot variety to wrong-foot her opponent early, claiming the first set when Henin-Hardenne sent a forehand sailing wide.

But Henin-Hardenne gradually took control and broke the frustrated Russian twice towards the end of the second set to force the decider.

Sharapova fought to the end, breaking Henin-Hardenne as the French Open champion served for the match at 5-3.

But the Belgian came back strong and sealed victory on Sharapova's serve, claiming the match with a blistering backhand winner down the line.

"I'm very proud of myself because I kept fighting during the whole match, even the points that were very long. I ran like probably I never ran in the past on the tennis court," Henin-Hardenne said.