Tennis star Justine Henin calls it quits again
Former No. 1, who also retired in 2008, cites elbow injury.
Associated Press
BRUSSELS - Former No. 1 Justine Henin retired from tennis for a second time Wednesday, citing a lingering right elbow injury that cut short her comeback from a glittering career that included seven Grand Slam titles.
"I have undergone several tests the past few days, confirming that my elbow has sustained a lot more damage during my adventure in Australia," the 28-year-old Belgian said on her website.
She made the announcement five days after losing to Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-4, 7-6 (8) in the third round of the Australian Open.
"The past few weeks, there was a little bit more pain every day, but I thought my willpower would prevail. Today, the tests and my doctors are adamant," Henin said.
She was ranked No. 1 when she abruptly announced her retirement in 2008, only to return 20 months later.
"It is clear now that I have to accept that my career ends for good," said Henin, currently ranked No. 13.
Henin won her first Grand Slam at the French Open in 2003 and fell in love with the tournament, taking the clay title three consecutive years, from 2005 to 2007. She won the U.S. Open in 2003 and 2007 and the Australian Open in 2004. Her stubborn determination and clenched-teeth demeanor often made it difficult for fans to love her, especially in a nation enthralled with the carefree and ever-cheerful Kim Clijsters. Henin acknowledged as much to the fans in her farewell letter.
"If there is one thing I could regret, it is that I protected myself too much and could not be closer to you. I hope you will forgive me," she said.