Henin quits at No.1

World number one Justine Henin walked away from tennis on Wednesday and vowed she would not be back.

The 25-year-old Belgian announced her retirement from the sport with immediate effect at a news conference in her homeland and promised her shock decision was final.

"This is the end of a childhood dream," said Henin, winner of 41 WTA singles titles. "It is a definitive decision. Those who know me know I am serious.

"A new future is ahead and I won't go back on this decision.

"I have thought a lot about this. I started thinking about it late last year.

"I'm at the end of the road. I leave with my head held high."

Henin, who won seven grand slam titles in a glittering career, suffered a third-round loss to Dinara Safina at the Qatar Telecom German Open in Berlin last week and withdrew from this week's Internazionali BNL d'Italia due to fatigue.

"I have experienced everything I could have," she said. "I have lived completely for tennis.

"I am relieved and proud of what I achieved."

Last year, Henin's compatriot Kim Clijsters quit tennis at the age of 23 and has since married and become a mother.

Henin has previously admitted she would like to have more time to study, travel and generally escape from the pressures of top-level tennis.

Belgium's Fed Cup captain Sabine Appelmans was surprised by Henin's decision.

"This is for me a shock," she said. "I find it a pity but we must respect the choice.

"Everyone in their tennis career goes through periods with motivation problems. I understand well after her heavy season last year but I would take a period of rest and look from a distance at what is happening.

"Quitting is very drastic. Henin is a big champion and they must part in style. It's a shame that she must depart now. It's a pity that she can't cope with the defeats."

WTA tour chief executive Larry Scott issued a statement hailing Henin as one of the best-ever champions.

"Justine Henin will be remembered as one of the all-time great champions in women's tennis, and a woman who made up for her lack of size with a will to win and fighting spirit that was second to none," he said.

"It is rare that an athlete leaves at the very top of her game in this day and age, but Justine has always played by her own rules, in the very best sense of those words."

He added: "History will remember Justine for not only her seven grand slam titles and three years finishing as the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour's world number one, but for one of the most graceful backhands the sport has ever seen and an ability to overcome any and all obstacles placed in her way on the tennis court and off.

"This is a sad day for our sport and for her millions of fans around the world, but I know that I speak for so many in wishing Justine the very best in her future endeavours and hope that she will stay connected to the sport to which she gave so much."

Unable to physically match up with many of the players on tour at just 5ft 6in, Henin utilised her tremendous speed and coverage to go with her trademark shot, a devastating one-handed backhand, to vault to the top of the women's game.

She has