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Henin a True Ambassador of her Sport

August 19, 2007 - Being the No. 1 player in the world has its perks, but being the best also comes with its share of responsibilities and Justine Henin takes those to heart.

The 25-year old Belgian has been at the top of women’s tennis for the past several years and despite her petite 5’5” stature, Henin has carried the burden of being an ambassador and veteran of her sport more than admirably.

“I’m still so young, but I’m feeling old playing on Tour, so it’s definitely interesting,” Henin admitted.

Fans attending the 2007 Rogers Cup presented by American Express have had the pleasure of watching one of the game’s all-time greats in action this week. After taking some much deserved time off after Wimbledon to recharge her batteries and recuperate injuries to both her wrists, the six-time Grand Slam champion has been in fine form since arriving in Toronto last Thursday.

“I took a vacation and spent ten days training with Carlos (Rodriguez) before coming here, so I feel fresh mentally and physically,” Henin added.

While her 34 career singles titles, more than $16 million in career prize money and lengthy stints as the No. 1 player in the world are indeed impressive accomplishments, it is Henin’s humility and quiet demeanor that forces people to take notice. Having lost her mother at an early age as well as being estranged from her family throughout most of her life until recently, and battling a nasty virus that jeopardized her career, Henin has endured more than her share of hardships. As a result, she has developed a tenacious fighting spirit and an unwavering desire to succeed, qualities that have greatly influenced the person she is on and off the court.

In December 2003, Henin established her own charity called “Justine’s Winner’s Circle,” which provides joy and hope to children with cancer, and has been recognized with numerous awards for her humanitarian efforts. Just prior to coming to Toronto, Henin set up her annual camp in Switzerland where she spent an enjoyable three days with 20 terminally ill kids, an experience she won’t soon forget.

“It was a very emotional and powerful time,” Henin reflected. “They give me so much more than anything I could ever accomplish on the tennis court. I look at them and I see how hard they are fighting and they give me so much strength.”

While Henin may not be the most recognizable face of women’s tennis, or the player with the most endorsements, it is her consistency and virtually flawless game that has become her claim to fame. She boasts an impeccable 42-4 record in 2007 and has won a Tour leading five titles along the way. Although her presence may not command the attention of a room, when Henin contends for her second Rogers Cup crown on Sunday at centre court of Rexall Centre, those in attendance are sure to witness athletic supremacy at its finest, a player whose exceptional skill will transcend women’s tennis for years to come.

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