[funkdoctorspock]

Shame to see such a talented athletic have to retire at such a young age, but she was always getting injured.

Have a feeling that it could have been chronic, hence the retirement.



All the best and continued succcess.

Belgian star shocks tennis world

World number one Justine Henin has announced her retirement from tennis with immediate effect.

The shock news comes less than two weeks before Henin was due to begin the defence of her French Open title.

The 25-year-old has won at Roland Garros four times, including each of the last three years and she has seven Grand Slam titles to her name.

"It's the end of a wonderful adventure but it's something I have been thinking about for a long time," she told a press conference in Belgium.

"At the end of the match in Berlin (last week), all of a sudden was there as something evident. I decided to stop fooling myself and accept it.

"I'm at the end of the road. I have experienced everything I could have. I have lived completely for tennis. I am relieved and proud of what I achieved.

Henin has struggled with fatigue and fitness this year and she pulled out of the Italian Open this week after losing to Dinara Safina in the third round in Berlin.

She began the year by winning in Sydney, before losing to Maria Sharapova in the quarter-finals of the Australian Open.

Henin then won her home event in Antwerp, but has since suffered early exits to Serena Williams, Francesca Schiavone and Safina.

Sky Sports | Tennis | News | Henin announces retirement