Justine Henin announced her retirement last week, shocking the tennis world, yet seemed not-so-shocked herself. The number one player in the world said she felt like she was "carrying a weight on her heart and a big ball in her stomach."
She summed it up nicely with the following quote: "I will finally be able to breathe!"
I was also stunned by the announcement. Few days later, my head clear, I can begin to understand her decision and even wonder why I did not see her retirement coming. Although I would not have guessed that she would quit as the top-ranked player in the world, I should have been astute enough to see it happening fairly soon. Never mind that it saddens me to realize that I will no longer be able to enjoy watching her beautiful technique, her incredible footwork, not to mention a backhand that needs to be shown and analyzed to youngsters in every major tennis academy in the world.
At 5.48 feet and 125 pounds, Justine had to work on her fitness and power a lot harder than other top players. An oddity due to her size, in a world of tall and strong tennis players, she had to endure an exhaustive physical fitness schedule, became known for her work load that most mortal athletes would not have been able to withstand. Add to this, the fact that she did not have a smooth ride, going through her fair share of physical problems. She had an important virus that left her sidelined a good portion of 2004. She had few other minor injuries here and there. It was only her ferocious appetite for success and her superior determination that kept her bouncing back from each setback, stronger than before.
The mental part of her career took its hits, also. During her crucial developmental years, her mother died tragically. Henin contemplated quitting tennis before ever launching what turned out to be a career for all ages. Following her mother's death, Justine and her dad grew apart and became distant. One of her biggest fans, her grandfather died hours before her Wimbledon 2001 final against Venus Williams. She had to go through a divorce in the apogee of her career.
Despite all this, what Henin was able to accomplish on the tennis court is nothing short of extraordinary. Seven Slam titles, a gold medal at the Olympic Games, and plenty of weeks spent as the number one player in the world makes for an exceptional career even for the most gifted tennis player, let alone for a player who had to endure this many ups and downs and had to do it all against all odds.
As of late, she was reunited with her father, her family was together again and she was happier. In 2007, her older brother was quoted as saying "This year she is laughing, smiling, and taking pleasure in what she does. I used to see her on TV and she did not always look too happy."
Over $20 million dollars earned from her tennis career and having reached all her goals, having her own tennis academy and tennis club in Limelette, having founded "Vingt Coeurs" (translation: Twenty Hearts), an association that comes to the aid of sick children, all the pieces are set for a much smoother second life than her first. It is not a mystery why she would look forward to retirement. As to confirm her comfort level with her life-changing decision, Justine was serene in announcing her retirement.
Always blunt, she admitted that it was the competitor within her that had one last say in her decision to quit; do it as the number one player in the world. Fierce in competition, possessing an overachieving sense of work-ethic, yet refreshingly honest, she leaves behind an impressive legacy.
Breathe comfortably and enjoy your second life, Justine Henin. You deserve it!
May 21, 2008
Umit Oraloglu:
Mert, another great article and keep up the good work.
I would like to mention one thing, due to Henin’s size, everybody says she retired early because physically she couldnt take it anymore, however I disagree, I personally think, she retired unexpectedly because she was mentally burnt out, from all the issues she had within her family and with her own relationship. As we all know, family and personal issues mentally drain you more than anything else.
May 23, 2008
Ahmet Subasi:
Mr. Ertunga,
Great article, as always. Ms. Henin leaves a great legacy that will be missed for years to come.
June 2, 2008
Feyzullah Egriboyun:
Great article Mert. It’s especially tough on Belgian tennis lovers after “losing” two of their world class players to retirement in two consecutive years. It was not long ago that we used to see Williams sisters, Henin and Clijsters in semifinals of majors. As for Henin, I really admire her to have the courage and determination to do what she did. Hope she helps a lot of sick children until there aren’t too many around.