No. 1 Justine Henin retires from tennis
Justine Henin, one of the top-ranked tennis players in the world, has announced her retirement from the sport, effective immediately.
The 25-year-old Belgian, who has won seven Grand Slam titles, is making the surprising announcement at a news conference Wednesday.
Henin's decision comes less than two weeks before the start of the French Open. She has won that clay court tournament four times, including the past three years.
Henin won 10 tournaments last year, but has been in one of the worst slumps of her career this season. She lost last week in the third round of the German Open and pulled out of this week's Italian Open, citing fatigue.
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) — Top-ranked Justine Henin, a winner of seven Grand Slam titles, plans to make a major announcement amid reports she will quit the sport.
The 25-year-old Belgian, who has been in a slump this spring, called a news conference for Wednesday. Belgian newspapers have reported she will retire.
Her announcement could range from dropping off the tour for a limited amount of time, to retiring at the end of the season or immediately quitting tennis.
News Tools
May 14, 2008 at 12:04 pm by amyjudd, 1230 views, 23 comments
Sign In or Join to post comments
Comments (23)
at 12:33 on May 14th, 2008
amyjudd, I like this story. It's good stuff.
It's so sad to see such an incredible athlete end her tennis career at such a young age.
at 12:46 on May 14th, 2008
This is one of those stories that is surprising on the surface, but then again not... Henin has been punching above her weight for years now. Over the years the game has gotten bigger and faster and, while she increased her strength, she continued to win on intelligence and accuracy. She's battled through her share of personal tragedy and injury throughout her career and trying to bulk up her small frame probably took its toll both mentally and physically. Still, probably one of the most natural one-handed backhands of all time.
at 12:56 on May 14th, 2008
I realised today that I had witnessed Justine Henin´s last tennis match of her career in Berlin last week when she lost to Safina who eventually won the tournament. Although I´ve never been a particular fan of Henin´s I´ve always admired her and will miss seeing her on the tennis courts in the future.
hannavala has contributed a photo to this story.
at 13:11 on May 14th, 2008
I wouldn't be too sure just yet. More athletes than not retire only to come out of retirement at the first opportunity. I wonder if she's really calling it quits for good or if she'll rethink things and come back.
at 13:24 on May 14th, 2008
Yes it'll be interesting to see how she handles the retirement. Pro athletes dedicate so much of their lives to sport that they end up missing out on important life lessons and other areas of development. It's almost like they have to start rebuilding their lives all over again. You make a good point Critical Todd- maybe she's going through some sort of life crisis after her slump this year and will rethink her retirement.
at 15:33 on May 14th, 2008
I saw Henin play in the first round of the 2004 Olympics in Athens. In this match she won 6-3, 6-4 against Barbora Strycova. Henin went on to win gold, beating Amelie Mauresmo in the final.
paulgladwell has contributed a photo to this story.
at 16:51 on May 14th, 2008
A great player
zhaogm74 has contributed a photo to this story.
at 17:08 on May 14th, 2008
This photo of Justine Henin was taked during the las Sony Ericsson Championships celebrated in Madrid (Spain). Henin defeated Jelena Jankovic in two sets (6-2, 6-2).
Manolinho Captura has contributed a photo to this story.
at 17:30 on May 14th, 2008
Justine Henin at the 2007 US Open.
willclegg has contributed a photo to this story.
at 17:54 on May 14th, 2008
Oh I am sure Henin has plans of her own...and I also think that she may opt to make a return in a few years.
at 19:36 on May 14th, 2008
Justine is one of the best players in tennis history. We loved to watch this tiny feisty girl with her talent and ability to fight the adversities on her way to the top where she belongs now and in tennis history. We'll miss her, but life goes on and our best wishes to Justine.
ataelw has contributed a photo to this story.
at 22:53 on May 14th, 2008
This makes me glad that I managed to catch her winning the Rogers Cup title here in Toronto last summer, with her great win over Jankovic in two tight sets. The pictures I took were of her during practice on the day of the finals.
Justine has been one of my favourite tennis players (male or female) for years, & it was such a shock when I read the news today. I'm certainly disappointed, but at the same time I wish her the best & hopefully, she'll come back once again to show us that famous backhand of hers.
Best of luck in your future endeavours Justine!
at 01:37 on May 15th, 2008
Fantastic swing and posture of Justine. We'll miss her for sure.
fchung has contributed a photo to this story.
at 02:25 on May 15th, 2008
Thanks for what you did over the years. You were the best!
bourgol has contributed a photo to this story.
at 06:22 on May 15th, 2008
it is a sad day indeed justine,soft spoken sportperson of the year.i have always admired her tennis.my best wishes to her for the future.
at 06:32 on May 15th, 2008
This was taken when we were at the 2007 French Open
claireandjeffinzurich has contributed a photo to this story.
at 07:00 on May 15th, 2008
At the Sydney International tournament, January 2008.
planettreasures has contributed a photo to this story.
at 07:32 on May 15th, 2008
Taking a breather at the 2007 Rogers Cup
daveblakemore has contributed a photo to this story.
at 14:24 on May 15th, 2008
At the 2006 US Open Justine Henin was the embodiment of sportsmanship, exhibiting both generosity to her fans and a genuine love of the game. Henin has shown obvious committment to excellence in tennis by way of dignity shown on and off the court. It was a pleasure to witness her career in its prime and her contribution to the sport has been profound.
Kelly Borchelt has contributed a photo to this story.
at 00:21 on May 16th, 2008
training at Roland Garros 2006
jluc has contributed a photo to this story.
at 08:27 on May 16th, 2008
Justine Henin is a fantastic player, very fast speed and power..
rudsbp1 has contributed a photo to this story.
at 16:08 on May 20th, 2008
It was a very nice game! Allez justine!
mariajulianag has contributed a photo to this story.
at 22:55 on June 11th, 2008
She is good for now, until she gets bored and decides to come back. Its hard to leave the spot-light!
rlinger has contributed a photo to this story.