Justine Henin-Hardenne outfought fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters to win the Acura Classic title on Sunday in San Diego.

The French Open champion, who thrashed Clijsters at Roland Garros to clinch the first grand slam title of her career, looked on her way to defeat when she dropped the first set in this match.

But she is a resilient player, perhaps the toughest on tour, and battled back to win 3-6 6-2 6-3.

As third seed, Henin-Hardenne toppled the second seed and underlined the threat she will pose at the US Open which begins in three weeks' time.

Both Henin-Hardenne and Clijsters will have privately welcomed the news that world number one Serena Williams will not be playing at Flushing Meadows this year after undergoing knee surgery.

Clijsters is likely to be elevated to top seed, and it will be Henin-Hardenne, more so than Venus Williams, who she will fear most.

Henin-Hardenne earned a cheque worth £90,000 for her victory which gives her a fifth title of the season.