World No. 1 Henin Retires from Tennis

Source: Xinhua

 
World number one Justine Henin and her coach Carlos Rodriguez (R) hold a joint news conference in Limelette, Belgium, May 14, 2008. Henin announced her retirement from professional. [Photo: Reuters]

World No. 1 Justine Henin announced her retirement from tennis 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.

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.

 
World number one Justine Henin and her coach Carlos Rodriguez (R) hold a joint news conference in Limelette, Belgium, May 14, 2008. Henin announced her retirement from professional. [Photo: Reuters]

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Editor: Carrot Chan