Justin Henin stuns everyone as she decides to retire from tennis

In January, when Justine Henin was riding a 32-match victory streak, retirement seemed as preposterous a thought as a switch to a two-handed backhand.

But much has apparently changed in four months, and on Wednesday, there was Henin, dry-eyed and eloquent at a news conference in her native Belgium as she called it a career at age 25, effective immediately.

“It’s a page that’s turning; I don’t feel sadness, it’s more relief,” Henin said. “I know it’s a shock for many people, but it’s a decision I’ve thought long and hard about.” She added, “It’s the end of a marvelous adventure, an end of something that I’ve dreamed about since I was 5 years old.”

Although Henin had had a difficult start to the 2008 season, she was still No. 1 in the World Tennis Association rankings by a large margin and had plenty of short-term goals available with the heart of the season looming, including a fourth straight French Open title and, above all, a first title at Wimbledon, the only major singles trophy she has failed to win.

“If that doesn’t motivate you, either you’re completely burned out or something else is going on,” said Martina Navratilova, a multiple Grand Slam winner who played doubles on tour until age 49. “It’s strange. I’m perplexed.”

The stars of today sounded equally stunned, including Roger Federer and Serena Williams, Henin’s longtime rival. “She was a great champion and she gave me a world of trouble, so I hope the best for her,” Williams said at the WTA tournament in Rome.

Henin’s explanation for quitting in her prime is that, quite to her own surprise, she has lost the desire to train and compete and is now interested in focusing on her personal life and her new Belgian tennis academy.

“I think I will take long, real vacation,” she said. “I’m going to appreciate going for a run with nothing at stake, just doing it for pleasure. I’ve never put my feet in skis, and next year I think I’ll be doing it the whole winter. I want to rediscover the small pleasures, not look at my watch all the time because I have to get to training the next day.”

So is it pure and simple burnout? Not according to Henin and not according to Larry Scott, the head of the WTA Tour, who heard the news and an explanation from Henin on Tuesday.

“This isn’t an exasperated, frustrated player who needs a break,” Scott said. “This is a life decision. I don’t think there’s any chance she’ll come back. Really.”

Despite her average size — she stands just under 5 feet 6 inches — Henin has consistently trumped much taller and more intimidating opposition. She has done it with impeccable footwork, technical prowess and a deep competitive streak. Although her signature one-handed backhand attracted most of the camera lenses, her forehand was just as powerful. She also had the psychological and tactical support of her longtime coach, Carlos Rodriguez, a sharp-minded father figure who sat next to her at her news conference Wednesday and ended up in tears.

“It’s a very beautiful moment despite the fact that I’m crying,” Rodriguez said. “Thanks to her, I became someone.”

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