Personally I didn't expect this to happen. And I don't understand how somebody as young as 25 who is the current no. 1, defender/holder of 9 titles can quit just like that. And right before Roland Garros, Wimbledon (which she never won) and the olympics. This just makes me wonder if there is more to the retirement than what she is telling the public.

Even though I have never been a Henin fan, not even close, I am still sad to see her leave tennis.

What do you guys think?

Yeah 25 is really young to retire, but on the other hand, many great players retired when they were very young. I think it has to do with their motivation. Some players can't retire and want to play til they are 40, others retire already with 25.

When I first heard the news on the radio, it was a shock and something that I didn't expect at all.
I know that she had quite a few injuries and was in a slump, but i was still surprised. Chris Evert said she knew it was time to quit when she wasn't bothered about losing and I think that there's a big element of that in Justine's decision. She had been thrashed by Shazza and Serena, but I think the losses to Schiavone and Safina were more instrumental in her decision, because if she was losing to them and not bothered about it or even just losing to them, unable to raise her game against them, failing in the clutch or just simply unable to play at the level she was wanted to, then that would be a factor in her decision. I also think that Justine loved playing and competing and I think that in the last few months that wasn't the case and that she wanted to get out while she still had good feelings for the game rather than it being just a job or a hassle. There's also the element that she wanted to go out as the champ, especially at Roland Garros, rather than be deposed in a tame loss early on.

There are also personal factors like her reconciliation with her family and the desire to do other things in her life.

Justine's been a great champion, a supreme competitor and a player of incredible skill and I'll miss her a lot.

- a decent enough summary of reasons to retire.

This was one kick in the teeth when i heard it from a friend. I thought she was kidding for a second. Its a real shame. I have her down as one of my fav players. She did well and should be recorded as one of the best. As for my opinion for her sudden departure. Well i think we should look at the facts. She was no1 in the world, had won a bunch of grand slams and other tourneys, RG and Wimby is just around the corner basically and the olympics is coming soon. Everyone would think well "maybe that was a stupid time to retire" yes? I disagree. She left because of lack of motivation and playing these important tourneys would only stress the fact even more. If she has lack of motivation the there for she would only be playing at 50% and not 100%. And for to have a good result at the likes of RG and Wimby and especially the olympics (every 4 years) you have to put in 110%. Before retiring at this point of the year she really must be having problems.

I'd say this was a very good move Justine. I want to wish you the best of luck in your future. Farewell. And like what Mathius always tells everyone.

Please Stay Safe

Mathius