Global Sports: Justine Henin Stages Her Return

Monday, January 3, 2011

Justine Henin Stages Her Return

By Lisa Bryce


It wasn't too long ago that nearly every grand slam tournament was being dominated by Justine Henin. She was clearly the world's best, and only a few players stood a chance at beating her every time she took the court.

Having sat atop the world rankings for a couple of years, Henin surprised many tennis fans when she retired at the very young age of just 25 years old in 2008. Many wondered why she would call it quits when she was at the top of her game.

According to Henin, she had grown tired of all of the training and traveling that came with the grueling lifestyle of being a pro tennis player. As a result, she thought that a retirement would be the best personal move.

She decided to devote her time to charity work and a school that trained younger children in the world of tennis.

Even though she was gone, people still regularly spoke of Henin. Every tournament left fans wondering if she would have won had she still been playing. Fans no longer have to wonder though. After announcing her return last fall, the former top ranked player is back on the women's tour now.

Many wondered if Henin would be able to compete at the level she previously played at. After all, nearly two years away from the sport could leave her rusty and a bit older. Will she be able to return to the world's number one ranking that she firmly occupied before she called it quits?

Boy, were they wrong. Justine Henin looked as if she never took a day off after easily beating Nadia Petrova in straight sets at Brisbane. The competitive fire still burns in this warrior. In fact, some people claimed that she looked as if she never even took a day off.

After seeing Kim Clijsters' triumphant return to the sport after her US Open win last year, nothing should be considered unrealistic for Justine Henin.




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