Tennis shocked by Henin retirement

The world of tennis has reacted with shock to the announcement of world No.1 Justine Henin's retirement from the game.

Personalities from within the sport and beyond have been queueing up to heap praise on the 25-year-old Belgian after she announced her retirement on Wednesday with immediate effect.

Henin, who won seven Grand Slam titles in a glittering career, promised her decision was final.

"It's obviously a shock for the tennis world," said men's world No.1 Roger Federer.

"It's particularly surprising that it came one month before the French Open and two months before Wimbledon, which she has never won.

"It's unfortunate she is out of the game, but she would have had her reasons."

The Swiss star's comments were echoed by French player Emilie Loit, who also expressed her surprise at the timing of the decision.

"It's a real shame for women's tennis," she said.

"A page has been turned, especially for Belgian tennis, coming shortly after the retirement of Kim Clijsters."

"I'm honestly surprised, especially as we're two weeks away from Roland Garros, her particular tournament."

American duo Serena and Venus Williams both hailed the Belgian's fighting spirit and ability to overcome her obstacles.

"She was a great champion and she gave me a world of trouble, so I hope the best for her," said Serena Williams.

"She had a great year last year. Gosh, what can you say about such a champion? I don't think we have enough time."

Venus Williams added: "She was a great opponent. She always challenged herself to play her best tennis no matter what the circumstances."

"She was just a real fighter, so I think that was really what made her best."

Outside tennis, Henin's compatriot Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, hailed her as a role model in the game and admitted he was saddened to hear the announcement.

"Justine Henin leaves tennis with a prestigious record," he said.

"I completely respect her decision even if I'm going to regret not seeing her play anymore."

"Justine was more than a champion, she was a great personality. She'll remain an example to young players. I want to thank her and wish her the best of luck."

Henin won gold at the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004 and she has topped the WTA rankings for more than a year - since March 2007 - with Wimbledon the only major title to have eluded her.

Henin is the first woman to retire from tennis while ranked world No.1 - a position she still occupies thanks to a stunning 2007 season in the face of adversity.

She started the year by withdrawing from the Australian Open as she negotiated the separation from her husband of little more than four years, Pierre-Yves Hardenne.

That was the latest in a series of personal setbacks for Henin, who lost her mother at the age of 14 and, until last year, had been estranged from her family for many years.