Justine Henin

Biography

Justine Henin proved that in an era of power, elegance could still triumph. Her one-handed backhand, hit with perfect technique and disguised with subtle changes of grip, became the most beautiful shot in women's tennis - and one of its most effective weapons. Four French Open titles showcased her clay-court mastery, but she could win anywhere: Wimbledon finalist twice, Australian Open champion, Olympic gold medalist. At just 5'5", she seemed too small for modern tennis, yet her footwork and timing created power that belied her frame. Her first retirement in 2008, while still ranked No. 1 at age 25, shocked the sport. A comeback two years later showed flashes of the old brilliance but couldn't recapture the peak. The Belgian who learned to play on club courts remains the standard for technical excellence.

Career Highlights

• 7 Grand Slam singles titles
• 117 weeks as World No. 1
• 4 French Open titles
• Olympic Gold Medal (2004)
• Retired while ranked No. 1

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