Just a year and a half ago, Justine Henin ruled the WTA tennis tour, and many were calling her the best women's player of our generation. It seemed like no one could stop the diminutive but powerful Henin.
Suddenly, Henin decided to call it a career during the summer of 2008. Many were shocked by this revelation, as there was simply no reason for her to retire. After all, it's not as if she was slowing down.
Her retirement had everything to do with the fact that she simply grew tired of the lifestyle that comes with that of a professional athlete. The training and the grueling schedule had taken their toll on this champion.
There were personal initiatives that she preferred to focus on, including a camp for children where she'd teach them how to play tennis.
It wasn't until a few months ago during the fall of 2009 in which Henin announced that she'd be planning a return to women's professional tennis. Fans of the sport rejoiced, as her presence would certainly add an interesting element to the state of the female game.
Still, there was doubt. Would she be able to play at the level she left off at? When someone goes nearly two years without playing a professional match, they can't be expected to be as good.
Well, if her recent play is any sort of indication, all possibilities should be on the table at this point. With a first round straight sets win at the Brisbane International tournament against second seeded Nadia Petrova, she looked very much like her old self.
Going forward, tennis fans should rejoice about the fact that one of the true all-time greats is back in action. Let's see how far she can go this time around.
Suddenly, Henin decided to call it a career during the summer of 2008. Many were shocked by this revelation, as there was simply no reason for her to retire. After all, it's not as if she was slowing down.
Her retirement had everything to do with the fact that she simply grew tired of the lifestyle that comes with that of a professional athlete. The training and the grueling schedule had taken their toll on this champion.
There were personal initiatives that she preferred to focus on, including a camp for children where she'd teach them how to play tennis.
It wasn't until a few months ago during the fall of 2009 in which Henin announced that she'd be planning a return to women's professional tennis. Fans of the sport rejoiced, as her presence would certainly add an interesting element to the state of the female game.
Still, there was doubt. Would she be able to play at the level she left off at? When someone goes nearly two years without playing a professional match, they can't be expected to be as good.
Well, if her recent play is any sort of indication, all possibilities should be on the table at this point. With a first round straight sets win at the Brisbane International tournament against second seeded Nadia Petrova, she looked very much like her old self.
Going forward, tennis fans should rejoice about the fact that one of the true all-time greats is back in action. Let's see how far she can go this time around.
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