Henin back where she belongs
When , I couldn't believe what I was hearing.
The was just a few weeks away, followed by a better-than-ever chance of winning a first , and then the incentive of anotherin Beijing - all stated ambitions.
Completely out of the blue, all that was over.
She became . It was nothing short of incredible.
But when , I wasn't remotely surprised.
I had ended our 5live Wimbledon coverage two months earlier by mentioning Henin as a possible contender in 2010, despite the fact she was deep in retirement at the time. As others laughed with incredulity, I remember - nodding in agreement, perhaps knowingly.
And soon a warm Tuesday morning, was a welcome one. A familiar one. . The familiar plucks, twitches and, of course, the recognisable "allez!" after particularly pleasing strokes.
Soon after her victory over Tsvetana Pironkova, Henin charmed the press room with thoughtful answers to some nostalgic questions.
In the first part of her career the Belgian often came across as cold and detached. I sense her life experience away from tennis has given her greater warmth, a greater appreciation of her own existence.
If that off-court demeanour has changed, her clay-court game certainly hasn't. Why should it? , and the last time she dropped a set was in the fourth round in 2005 to Svetlana Kuznetsova.
If she does, then suddenly we have a fascinating tournament to look forward to at Wimbledon - the title she now says she desires more than any other.
Also on Wednesday, I enjoyed watching on his French Open debut. , and he appears to have a huge future.
For someone who hadhe admirably stood toe-to-toe with Nadal, defending magnificently and driving winners.
I also thought it worth noting that, . What incredible strength in depth they have. France boasts 11 men in the ATP top 100 and 19 in the top 200. Their
Comment number 1.
At 26th May 2010, kecsmar wrote:It is a joy to see Henin back.
The womens game has become a little flat and with so many pretenders for the crown too. The Williams's sisters are a bit up and donw, despite their current ranking. Which gives you an indication of the form of the others.
If she hits those mental highs and physical strengths very quickly, then i can't see anyone beating her...and the Williams' must be very worried.
She is poetry in motion.
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Comment number 2.
At 26th May 2010, what a shot wrote:Seeing as almost everyone else on the women's tour is a one-dimensional robot, watching Justine play is a breath of fresh air.
The women's game is getting more and more unpopular (the attendances for women's matches at the French have been abysmal) and unless there are a bunch of 16 year old Justine Henins coming through, i can't see how things will improve.
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Comment number 3.
At 26th May 2010, g baby wrote:i don't think serena or venus will be overly worried by Henin dismissing with ease someone vastly inferior to her. Henin has not had the greatest form since her comeback and the williams sisters could beat her before anyway.
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