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Reuters 16y

Tennis-Tributes to Justine Henin

BRUSSELS, May 14 - Following is a selection of
tributes to Belgian world number one Justine Henin, who retired
from tennis on Wednesday.

LARRY SCOTT (WTA Tour chief executive): "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 in
a statement.

"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.

"History will remember Justine for not only her seven grand
slam titles and three years finishing as the 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."

FRANCESCO RICCI BITTI (ITF president): "Justine Henin has
been an outstanding athlete of her generation, and had a grace
and style on court that distinguished her from other players.
She has always been one of my favourite players to watch.

"Her victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics was Belgium's only
gold medal at the Games and we are sorry that she won't be able
to defend her title in Beijing. She has made a huge contribution
to the sport."

ROGER FEDERER (Switzerland), men's world number one: "It's
obviously a shock for the tennis world. It's a particular
surprise before Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which she's never
won.

"It's quite surprising and unfortunate that she's out of the
game but she will have her reasons.

"She is a special player because she can play on any surface
and it's remarkable that she's won so many tournaments because
she is small and the tall players coming in now have an
advantage.

"I couldn't imagine deciding out of the blue to retire,
especially if I was number one. I would prefer to take a year
off if it was all getting too much for me, rather than saying
straight out that I'm not going to go on."

VENUS WILLIAMS (U.S.): "She was a great opponent. She always
challenged herself to play her best tennis, no matter what the
circumstances. A real fighter."

SERENA WILLIAMS (U.S.): "She was a great champion and she
gave me a world of trouble, so I hope the best for her. What can
you say about such a great champion? I don't think we have
enough time."

JELENA JANKOVIC (Serbia): "I was very surprised by her
retirement because she's doing very well and she's still young.
She's great for the game.

"It can sometimes be very difficult, many years playing and
travelling around the world. Being there, being at the top, can
be very difficult. We will miss her."

ANA IVANOVIC (Serbia): "(Tennis loses) another champion, a
great player who brought a lot to the women's game. She had a
different game to any other woman on the tour. I'm sorry to hear
this."

BILLIE JEAN KING (U.S): "Pound for pound Justine is the best
player of her generation. I trust she has not come to this
decision quickly or easily and I wish her the very best. Justine
is an extraordinary player, a special person and a true champion
in both tennis and in life."

CARLOS RODRIGUEZ (Henin's coach): "Technically and
tactically she has it all. But I think she will be remembered
for the way in which she won and lost and the way she never gave
up no matter what was going on in her life.

"She never craved fame and money. All she wanted to do was
play and win."

(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)

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