Justine Henin's sudden retirement from professional tennis at age 25 is shocking. Maybe several levels lower than Michael Jordan's first retirement but it is to my mind bewildering.
She may be having a sub par year but that happens to everyone. Last year was a terrible one for Maria Sharapova and people said that she was on her way out. Instead Masha returned more determined and fit. And it's not like she doesn't have issues. Sharapova has one now with the WTA and previously she had some with her teammates on the Russian Team to the Fed Cup (she may be competing under the Russian flag but she's as American as apple pie and that doesn't sit well with her teammates).
I guess what's surprising about Henin is her admission about her lack of fire which also betrays waning interest. Does that come with losing? Fair question. Maybe her personal problems have enroached upon her professional life making competing in the pro tennis circuit even more taxing mentally and physically.
"It's a page that's turning. I don't fell any sadness," she said at the news conference where she announced her immediate retirement. "I know it's a shock for many people but it's a decision I tought long and hard about. It's the end to a marvelous adventure of something that I've dreamed about since I was five years old."
More than any other sport, a player's time in the spotlight is only short. Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi are two exceptions to that but remember when Patrick Rafter had two good years then totally disappeared? Ditto with Marcelo Rios.
Henin picked up the baton from the Williams sisters and competed in one of the most exciting times for women's tennis. She held back the Russian and East bloc invasion and for a moment there seemed like a newer version of Steffi Graf.
We've seen Kim Clijsters and Martina Hingis left the game prematurely and Henin's retirement leaves tennis one bright star short.
Thanks for the great nine years in the tour, Justine! Best of luck to your future endeavors!
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