| Tennis is a lonely game. It is one of the most | | | | than team events - a coach can help guide a player |
| gladiatorial sports: one versus one with no team mates | | | | but only the individual can summon the desire to |
| to offer support. There is no hiding place on court and | | | | continue on the treadmill of the tour, staying away |
| those who reach the highest level require a great deal | | | | from home for long periods. It is a lonely place off the |
| of character to go with their rare talents. | | | | court as well as on it. |
| No one can accuse Justine Henin of lacking inner | | | | Henin has had some well-publicised personal issues |
| strength; seven grand slam titles and 41 WTA victories | | | | and she no doubt wants to spend more time with her |
| were earned through hard work and an ability to | | | | reunited family and pursuing other interests. Hers is a |
| handle pressure, alongside of course her devastating | | | | premature retirement, although it should be |
| one-handed backhand. | | | | remembered that she turned professional in 1999. |
| And yet she walks away from the game at her | | | | Women players often have pro careers mapped out |
| supposed peak, 25 years old and on top of the world | | | | for them from an early age - usually in a pressurised |
| rankings. This is not due to any mental failings but | | | | and intense parental environment - so these seemingly |
| rather a realisation that there is more to life than tennis. | | | | short careers must appear long to the players |
| Individual sports require more motivation to excel in | | | | themselves. |