Henin defeated in Dubai

Justine Henin lost in the quarterfinals of the Dubai Tennis Championships on Thursday, falling to Francesca Schiavone of Italy 7-6 (3), 7-6 (4).

The top-ranked Belgian, who won the Laureus World Sportswoman of the Year award last week, earned her 41st career title and first of 2008 this month at the Diamond Games in her home country.

The defending champion in Dubai, however, lost her chance to win the Golden Slam when she was eliminated in the Australian Open quarterfinals by eventual champion Maria Sharapova.

After playing in Melbourne, Henin got cortisone treatment on her right knee.

Second-seeded Svetlana Kuznetsova of Russia advanced to the semifinals at the Aviation Club by beating Amelie Mauresmo of France 6-1, 7-6 (4), and fourth-seeded Jelena Jankovic moved on when Anna Chakvetadze of Russia retired with a left thigh injury after losing the first set 6-1.