BERLIN -- Second-seeded Nadia Petrova won her third straight clay-court title Sunday, beating third-seeded Justine Henin-Hardenne 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 at the German Open.
The Russian, who ran her clay-court winning streak to 15 matches, overcame back and leg injuries in a match lasting nearly three hours at the French Open warmup.
Henin-Hardenne missed a backhand down the line on match point and Petrova ran to hug her coach. The Russian was twice treated for her injuries.
"I was questioning myself if I could finish the match. I'm amazed I won the way I did," Petrova said. "It's a great feeling. Hopefully, I can get to the top -- that is a big dream of mine."
Petrova also won at Charleston, S.C., and Amelia Island, Fla., last month.
Petrova reversed a three-set loss in last year's final, when Henin-Hardenne won the German Open for the third time. Sunday was the Belgian's first defeat at the event since losing to Jennifer Capriati in 2001. Her German Open record is 24-2.
She also dealt Henin-Hardenne, a two-time French Open champion, her first loss on European clay since Roland Garros in 2004.
Henin-Hardenne called Petrova, who will move to third in the rankings next week, a favorite for the French.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Petrova said. "Of course there will be expectations but I will just try to have fun."
Petrova was without a title when they played last year's final, despite several years in the top 10. The Russian has broken through since, claiming five, including a tour-high four this year.
"It means to me I have moved to another level, physically, mentally. I'm more consistent," said Petrova, whose mother won a relay bronze medal in athletics at the Olympics.
Petrova paid for constantly attacking the net in the first set when Henin-Hardenne whipped passing shots and low slices at her feet.
But in the second set the Russian began pounding the ball deep in the corner to pressure Henin-Hardenne and set up her rushes to the net.
"In the second set, she was determined and attacked all the time. She deserved to win," said Henin-Hardenne, who added that the loss won't disturb her preparations for the French Open. "I had five good matches here to get ready."
The Belgian rallied from 1-3 down in the final set to even at 5-5 while serving next. But Petrova threw up her fist confidently when her forehand nicked the back line on the first point.
She dropped only one more point.
"I don't know what to say. My legs were tired, my back began to hurt in the second set and I had problems serving," Petrova said. "All I could do is fight."
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