Goodbye Henin

i'm taking a day off today.

tennis
i'm deeply saddened to know of World no.1 Justine Henin's retirement from the sport last night, which is still sending shockwaves all around. The reading on the seismometer is comparable to that of when: say, Tiger Woods (Golf), Liu Xiang (Athletics), Roger Federer(Henin's career closely mirrors his'), Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer) all announce their departure from their respective sports.
sigh, Henin's departure is a great loss, especially when she's at her peak with what was an astoundingly impeccable year and near perfect report card that she raked up in 2007, epically winning trophies after trophies. She's one player that i admire much - her quiet demeanour that she brings with her everywhere she goes, on court or at press conferences. She doesn't show much of emotion, but one can always be more interested in her because she's got that kind of girl-next-door feel, when you kinda keep guessing whats more to her than her tennis. She cuts a small svelte figure, but takes down towering opponents swiftly or match their shotmaking power with her graceful precise intelligent gameplans.
This year she experienced a dip in form, but still her retirement came so unexpectedly. Justine's personal life was tainted with so many problems, and thats probably the reason why she's not the glamorous fiesty gal that many of her rivals are now. She was estranged from her family and has only just patched up recently, and she was brought up by her coach Carlos Rodriguez, who is always seen on courtside whenever she plays. I always felt that their relationship goes far beyond a player - coach one, but more of father - daughter kind. Justine has channelled all her childhood to adolescent emotions, including her separation from her husband of 4 years, that has built up into her tennis that she has well refined to reach the pinnacle of success.
Justine is a great champion, who has inspired and impressed me by how she has lived through adversities yet achieving so much by true will and hardwork , but not thriving on glory.

vin