Australian Open players pay tribute to Justine Henin
This week, former World Number 1, Justine Henin, retired from professional tennis for good.
The multiple Grand Slam champion confirmed that medical tests had diagnosed her escalating elbow pain as beyond repair. Consequently, she will now be unable to play tennis on the WTA tour. Her retirement was announced on Thursday.
Players and fans were surprised at the sudden declaration, as Henin had been participating in the 2011 Australian Open mere days ago.
The 28 year old pro has retired abruptly once before in 2008, after winning four French Open titles as well as the US Open and the Aussie Open. She began to attempt a comeback last year, and reached the final in Melbourne before hurting her elbow during
a match at Wimbledon. The same injury has continued to plague her, and the Australian Open has reportedly made it worse.
Henin is one of the few players, who is, better known for her finesse rather than the aggression in her game, and her signature one-handed backhand terrorised many of her opponents back in the day.
Her fellow players were disappointed to hear of the retirement, particularly compatriot Kim Clijsters. The US Open champion says, “Obviously, it’s a sad situation to see such a great player end her career in this kind of way”.
Justine Henin is one of those rare players, who has garnered respect from both, ATP and WTA players. Bob Bryan, one of the leading doubles players in the world, says, “When healthy, she was one of the best in the mix”.
World Number 1 Caroline Wozniacki says that she has admired Henin from the beginning of her own career. According to the Dane, “Justine is a great champion and she’s been unlucky since she made the comeback, she’s had some injuries. I think she’s thought
a lot about this. I think she is just ready to start a new chapter in her life”.
Australian Open finalist Li Na also expressed disappointment over Henin’s announcement, saying, “She’s an amazing player. For the player, if you are injured I mean, this is the worst”.
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