posted May 15, 2008

T was shocked and stunned to hear of Justine's retirement.She's been my favourite female tennis player ever since I first saw her aged 19 in the Wimbledon final.A throwback to another era basically, when players could rely on court "savvy " and execution of shots rather than brute power.And of course , as brave as a lion (withdrawal from the Australian women's final a couple of years ago notwithstanding )and completely inspirational.
John Mcenroe once said something along the lines that Justin is the only female tennis player he'd pay to go and watch and I'd agree with that.I'd also agree with Billie Jean's comment that, pound for pound, she's the best woman tennis player of her generation.I can't top those warm and appreciative tributes from two legends of the game, so I can only say thanks for the memories, Justine.You will be missed and I hope the rest of your life brings the happiness you deserve.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 15, 2008

It seems likely that Henin is going to announce her retirement later today! Am i the only person who is stunned by this news? I know she has had injury problems recently but i didn't expect this! A sad day for women's tennis...
-------------

It's not about the injuries or the form, it's about the all-encompassing 24/365 lifestyle.

Making the top in Tennis involves not just vast amounts of intensive training tha puts extreme and unique stresses on the body but also being away from home for 40+ weeks of the year.

Few other individual sports demand so much of their competitors. Athletics requires maybe 3-4 competition days a month, F1 requires 7-8 a month, most other similar sports (squash, badminton etc.) have a number of weeks between tournaments. Only team sports require the same level of competition days but by their nature are less intensive.

It is near impossible to maintain a relationship with people who do not travel with you under those circumstances. So following the breakdown of one marriage and with a new found family to spend time with I'm not surprised. More to the point we will see more and more top playes taking this route, those who go deep into the draw week in week out will be burnt out mentally after 3-4 years of doing so.

Until Tennis chiefs realise what they are doing to their top players (working them like packing mules) this will be a rising trend.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 15, 2008

players like graf, williams x 2 and henin are in a class of their own. these women are not one hit wonders.

she had a stunning blind backhand. the best shot in the game.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 15, 2008

Not too many people realise the stress of being on the circuit with in my opinion too many tournaments too much travel and too little recreation time
Its punishing in the extreme esp for men who play 5 setters and the top players play more as in winning they play to finals
The schedules need revision but with so much MONEY at stake its unlikely
Its becoming an endurance test with injuries and sickness being the price paid.
Justine had one of the hardest coaches who drove her beyond her human limitations quite often I really believe.
This affected her immune system perhaps Federers too maybe.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 17, 2008

Jonathan Overend I wonder if you are an illmannered jackass for your uncalled comment of " what is the real reason for Henin's retirement" is due to stupidity or just a provocative remark ?
Time after time her system broke down from being over worked, and do you even know what her training routine consisted of ?
Maybe you should be commenting on mud wrestling ?

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 17, 2008

I think shes silly to retire now, she clearly has her reasons but shes at the top of her game. Yes she has suffered some set backs but afew more years could see her achieve alot more, like winning wimbledon which she never did but clearly has the talent to do. Doesnt make much sense to me.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 18, 2008

good riddens

wasnt much to look at anyway. bring back kournakova : - )

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 20, 2008

Sorry for sounding pompous and normally wouldn't slate someone because of the quality of their written English, but...

Diabyfan:
Learn to spell.
Learn to punctuate.
Then your contribution may be taken seriously.

But I doubt it.

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 21, 2008

whats your problem do you fancy henin or something? maybe ull be able to meet her in soho one night .. nudge nudge wink wink ; -)

add comment | complain about this comment

posted May 23, 2008

Course I don't fancy her Numbnuts!

add comment | complain about this comment