Former world number one Justine Henin is still involved in tennis despite having retired from the professional sport almost five years ago.
Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam titlist, retired in 2008 but made a comeback two years later where she barged her way to the final of the Australian Open (lost to Serena Williams). It was a rather short comeback. Her countrywoman Kim Clijsters also staged a remarkable second comeback to the sport but retired once more.
“Kim and I were No.1 and No.2 at the same time. We played Grand Slam finals; we won Grand Slams. We grew up together; we played the same tournaments from nine years old,” she said a CNN Open Court 2015 interview.
“I always say that if there wasn’t Kim, I wasn’t sure if I would have been the same player.”
Henin retired from the sport for the second time back in 2011 stating that she’ll focus more on family life. She gave birth to a daughter in 2013. She’s an active presence at her very own tennis academy which has been open to children with the same passion for sport. The academy’s been open for almost 10 years.
“I work for the kids; I try to share my experience and try to give some messages,” explained the recently nominated International Hall of Famer.
“The Hall of Famers are individuals who I have admired from the time I was a young girl, throughout my career, and to this day. To be nominated for induction into this group and to have my career recognized in this way is a great honor, and I thank the committee for the nomination.”
Watch Justine Henin’s CNN Open Court 2015 Interview.
