Intestinal fortitude questioned

MELBOURNE, Australia – At what point in a Grand Slam final does a player decide to tough it out though illness or injury, allowing an opponent to win the traditional way – closing out the contest on match point?

Or when does that ailing player decide that a loss seems likely, the pain is unbearable and continuing is simply not worthwhile?

The Australian Open women’s final, won by Amelie Mauresmo on Saturday when Justine Henin-Hardenne retired with stomach problems trailing 6-1, 2-0, highlighted such questions.

“I was feeling so sick and I couldn’t stay longer on the court,” Henin-Hardenne said after she stopped playing and began sobbing at courtside. “I’m feeling very disappointed to end the tournament this way. I’m sorry I couldn’t find a little bit more. There was no reason I could keep playing.”

It may have taken more to get Mauresmo off the court.

“I just knew I was ready to die on that court today. That’s the way I was,” the 26-year-old Frenchwoman said.

It was the second consecutive match and third in the tournament in which an opponent retired with illness or injury against Mauresmo.