 |
|
World number one Justine Henin reacts as she holds a news conference in Limelette, May 14, 2008. Henin announced her retirement from professional tennis. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
BRUSSELS, May 15 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Justine Henin announced her retirement at an age of just 25 on Wednesday with immediate effect, citing lack of passion.
"I have been driving my career based on an emotion
but I didn't feel that emotion anymore since (last year's season-ending
championships in) Madrid," said Henin, referring to last year's season-ending
championships in Madrid.
"It's the end of a wonderful adventure but it's something I have been thinking about for a long time," the Belgian told a news conference.
 |
|
World number one Justine Henin reacts as she holds a news conference in Limelette, May 14, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
The seven-time grand slam winner, who had been
expected to defend her French Open crown later this month, became the first
woman to quit the sport while ranked top.
"I am leaving as the world number one and that is
important and it is always better to go out at the top," said Henin, who won 41
titles since turning professional in 1999.
Her final match turned out to be a third-round defeat
by Dinara Safina in Berlin last week.
Henin, who has 41 titles in her career, became the
first Belgian to win a grand slam title with her triumph at the French Open in
2003 before collecting four Roland Garros crowns, two U.S. Open titles and one
at the Australian Open.
 |
|
Belgium's Justine Henin returns a ball to Russia's Dinara Safina at the 'German Open' tennis tournament in Berlin, May 8, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
 |
|
Belgium's Justine Henin returns a ball to Russia's Dinara Safina at the 'German Open' tennis tournament in Berlin, May 8, 2008. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
