It is just 10 years since the retirement of one of the best female tennis players we have seen in this century. His name is Justine Henin, now one of the great tennis experts of Eurosport, a chain that broadcasts live and exclusively the Open de Australia 2021. On the occasion of this special occasion and in the run-up to the first Grand Slam of the season, the former Belgian player attends Punto de Break in an interview to tell us many interesting things about her current life, as well as giving us a small preview of how she sees everything that surrounds the first great tournament of the year.
Conditions this year in Australia are very tough. We are talking about something totally unusual to what we know. What would you say is the hardest thing players face, mentally or physically?
We could say that they are unique conditions. As a tennis player, I have never come across anything similar. As an athlete, you have to adapt to everything, such as injuries, your calendar, your personal life … there are many things, but this is something totally different since you have no previous experience. I would say that it is tough both mentally and physically but you have to prepare as well as possible. There are players who can go out and train and others do it in the rooms and try to be as fit as possible. The mental and the physical are related. I hope players can at least enjoy being able to play and do what they love in these times.
Regarding the issue of conditions, some players spoke of “disadvantages” compared to others. What do you think about this?
The conditions are not the same for everyone. I’m not really into it but I guess the players knew before they traveled the risk they were taking and the things that could happen. It’s tough especially because of the pressure they have around them because leaving the top players aside, there are players with more financial problems than others and they arrive there and now they don’t know if they are going to be able to play and they have all that in their heads. Ultimately, it’s about trying to be positive and putting the energy where it needs to be and what they can control.
Summer in Australia, high temperatures, isolation, short training sessions or in rooms, food that is not enough … Are we facing what is possibly the toughest Grand Slam in history?
I don’t know exactly what happened in the first Grand Slams in history (laughs). Yes, for sure it will be very difficult but in the past US Open we have already experienced similar things. In the end, I’m sure the players are going to be able to adapt to the situation, even without being easy, because they have no other choice.
The WTA is usually quite unpredictable. This year maybe more than ever. Who would be your favorites for the title in Australia?
Difficult to say a name. With the situation we live in, it is difficult to predict anything since they have not competed for many months. As you said, the WTA is very unpredictable and it would be difficult for me to name someone. I think motivation will be key in this tournament. The one who knows how to stay motivated and stay mentally stronger may be the one who takes the cat to the water, as happened to Osaka at the US Open.
Fair, this January 26 marks the 10th anniversary of the day you retired.
So is.
And you’re still 38 years old! At present we see Federer, Serena, Nadal … who are your age, more or less, and still at the top. Has it ever crossed your mind that you could have played a little more?
I wish I had a longer career when I was younger! I really wanted it, but there are certain elements to consider. When I look back I wish I had played more, but I was neither very strong nor very tall and to achieve my goals I had to bring my body to a very high level. That carries risks of injury. Also, my immune system is not the best and I get sick very easily, as well as I injured myself frequently. I knew that to win Grand Slams I had to put a lot of pressure on my body and physically it was very hard for me.
You don’t regret the decision you made.
I have sacrificed many things in my life for tennis. My social life, my family … it was not easy to handle all that while playing and it was difficult to keep everything in balance. I am a person who gives 300 or 400% of myself when I get involved in something and it was difficult to lead my tennis life with all that I tell you. I also wanted to have children and I can’t even imagine what it must be like to have children while on the circuit. I really admire the players who do it, but I can’t imagine myself doing that. I don’t regret it, despite seeing Serena or other players do that. I feel very complete with what I have achieved in my career and today I am very happy with my life.
Have you missed tennis in these 10 years?
I haven’t really missed tennis very much. I still love him a lot even though I can’t play it too much because of my elbow and shoulder, which still hurt, but I do play it even though I’m not at the same level as when I was a player, obviously. I still have the passion and I follow it a lot since I work at Eurosport. I am very proud of what I achieved and learned as a player, but I don’t miss being on the circuit. I don’t miss that life. 10 years ago I was playing my last game but two weeks later I went to live with Benoit, my husband, and now with my daughter and my Academy… tennis is still present in my life but in a different way.
Will we ever see you as a coach?
I’ve been doing things as a consultant, but training is a totally different job. Running my Academy has taught me that being a good player will not make you a good coach, it is something different. As a player, you are the center of everything but as a coach, you must do everything you can to help your player. It is something that catches my attention, but it requires a lot of investment of time. I like to share my experiences and my knowledge, it is something I did with Svitolina, for example, with whom I really enjoyed working, but to have a greater impact on the player you need to be on the circuit with him. With my daughter, this is something I couldn’t do today.
Do you close the door then?
I’m not closing it, but to be a coach you need to invest a lot of your time. As I say, I do not close the door for the future but today, it is not my priority.
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