Henin, Justine (1982– )

Belgian tennis player, who won three consecutive French Open titles 2005–07. A right-handed player who, despite her small stature, possesses one of the fiercest backhands in women's tennis, and has a mental toughness to match. She rose to prominence in 2001 when she reached the semi-finals of the French Open and her first Wimbledon final a month later, and finished the year ranked seventh in the world. She won her first Grand Slam title in 2003 when she beat compatriot Kim Clijsters in the final of the French Open, and she beat the same player to win the US Open title later in the year. She won the Australian Open in 2004, and in 2007 won her third consecutive French Open title, and her fourth overall. She retired in 2008 at the age of just 25, while still ranked number one in the world.

Career highlights

French Open 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007

US Open 2003, 2007

Australian Open 2004

Fed Cup 2001

Olympic Games gold 2004

Tournament wins 50

Awards

WTA Player of the Year 2003, 2007

Laureus Sportswoman of the Year 2008

In 2001 she helped Belgium to a first ever Fed Cup win. In 2006 she reached the finals of each of the four Grand Slam events, though she lost to Amelie Mauresmo at both Wimbledon and the Australian Open, and was defeated by Maria Sharapova at the US Open. However, she was victorious at Roland Garros, beating Svetlana Kuznetsova 6–4, 6–4. In March 2007, she reached the top of the world rankings for the fourth time in her career.