The Justine Henin comeback rumors have been simmering ever since her countrywoman, Kim Clijsters, announced her return to the WTA tour this summer. Comeback kid Lindsay Davenport added to the speculation this weekend on FSN, saying that she’d “be surprised” if Justine never played again on the pro-circuit.
But Justine, ever the kill-joy, refuses to bite. Here she is in Saturday’s L’Equipe (google translated from French):
In an interview with L’Equipe this Saturday, Justine Henin . . . announced unequivocally that she will not retreat from her May 2008 decision to put her tennis career firmly behind her.
Now 26 years old, the Belgian player, winner of seven Grand Slam tournaments, surprised everyone when she announced her retirement last year. A phase of depression accompanied this decision, but today everything seems to be back in order. “The first two to three months, I was afraid to gain weight, afraid of emptiness. I practiced many sports, I took up my studies,” said the former champion, who also discusses her new life, including her involvement in her Limelette club and its activities.
While her compatriot Kim Clijsters officially announced her return to competition for the U.S. tour this summer, Justine Henin, however, rejects the idea of a comeback on the circuit. “The desire is not coming back,” she says during the interview. “I don’t miss tennis,” she said, categorically.
I say: “Yeah, right!” Once she sees all the headlines and gushing articles about how wonderful and talented Kim Clijsters is, Justine will be hitting the practice courts with Carlos Rodriguez before you can say “Wild Card.”
That’s what I’m hoping, at least!
Click here for the original article.
Xinhua/Reuters Photo
Tags: Justine Henin, Kim Clijsters, tennis, WTA
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It’s a pity.
I WANT Henin back!
I want Justine back too, but the enigmatic lady is not going to come back because Kim is. Hey, her rivalries weren’t all Belgian.
This is the quote that works for me, (and I suspect Justine is a depressive, poor love)
“A phase of depression accompanied this decision, but today everything seems to be back in order. “The first two to three months, I was afraid to gain weight, afraid of emptiness. I practiced many sports, I took up my studies,””
But, I’m doing my matchmaker thing. Steffi sure perked up when she hooked up with Andre! That was opposites attracting.
I think Justine and Marat (depressives attracting) should have a joyous life-affirming affair and get back on the courts. Then neither of them need be afraid of emptiness.
yeah. Because Marat would change Henin like his own headcasey self. lol.
But Marat isn’t really a depressive in the same way. Henin is repressed and monkish, while Marat is more of a nihilistic party boy. So I don’t really see it working. Maybe Janko Tipsarevic?
I so agree with the enigmatic statement! She really is unknowable. But I hear she’s going to be hosting a Belgian (?) comedy show, so maybe we’ll get to see her sunnier side.
I think Kim making a comeback is great for the game. Justine coming back sometime down the track would be good for the game. It pains me to say this but as long time Lindsay Davenport fan please don’t comeback. I don’t want Lindsay to fade out and from what I’ve heard she’d have a great and long career as a commentator if she wants.
Hey Vicki – I agree, Lindsay should stay in the commentating booth. She has nothing left to prove on court anyway (although I guess she just enjoys the competition.)
Has she said she’s considering a comeback? I knew it was out there for a while but I can’t imagine coming back again after another baby. . .
yeah damn right I want Justine back. But I just don’t see it happenin’. Somehow, her character and behaviour suggest to me that she’s just “over it”. Sadly, women’s tennis hasn’t gotten over her.
Hey Dootsiez! I know. . .Justine is such a kill-joy, anyway. The more we want her back the less likely she is to do so. I’m just hoping that we’ve underestimated her rivalry with Clijsters. . .and she won’t be able to resist!
Justine is the last player on the women’s side who was really exciting to watch (for me, at least). Her backhand was so gorgeous, and her footwork and shot placement reminded me of Roger. I also respected her because she was an athelete first, and not a model/actress/entrepreneur/star. I agree with Alice — she always seemed melancholic to me, too. But I would pick a happy, kind-hearted person for her love affair. Maybe one of the French boys?
she should come back. cuz she was the best player in the women's game
and the other players aren't exciting to watch