Henin was definitely off her level in 2008. She wasn't terrible, as she did win a couple of titles, but she wasn't dominant. Even some of her wins were struggles. And to lose so meekly to two of her toughest rivals in Sharapova and Serena was an indicator that her competitive drive was waning. To be the best, a player has to be 100% committed to giving their highest level. If a player can't keep the commitment to that high level, it might be time to step away. I do think Justine was hoping that getting back on clay, her best surface, would reignite that competitive drive to stay the best. But once she lost this match, the writing was on the wall.
The last straw to destroy Justine Henin. She was much less powerful in 2008, especially her forehand. She struggled to play with powerful opponents, lost to Maria Sharapova 4-6/0-6 in Australian Open and defeated by Serena Williams 2-6/0-6 in Miami Open. I can feel her frustration in the 3rd set of this match, as her backhand was attacked and overwhelmed by Safina's top-spin and powerful stroke. Even though she tried everything, she still totally lost control of the match. Such frustration happened again when she was defeated by Samantha Stosur in 2010 Roland Garros R16. Her peak of career was in 2007, when her play was aggressive and full of wisdom. If she could win Wimbledon, her career would be perfect. However, she already created lots of miracle and she is one of legends in the history of women's tennis.
Justine played with a bad knee throughout 2008 and wasn’t at her best. I wish she only took a long break and not retire at the time. Along with Serena and Venus, she’s the best tennis player of that generation. Those are top 3 in my opinion. Love Justine! Allez Juju 💕
And people keep saying that she would have prevented Serena to win 23 slams,LOL! She was already cooked in 2008. 06 and 07 took her a lot. And when she came back, she didn’t have the fluidity anymore.
Finally full highlights of that infamous match! Justine shocked everyone with her decision about retirement after this match!
Because she failed a drug test lol
Henin was definitely off her level in 2008. She wasn't terrible, as she did win a couple of titles, but she wasn't dominant. Even some of her wins were struggles. And to lose so meekly to two of her toughest rivals in Sharapova and Serena was an indicator that her competitive drive was waning. To be the best, a player has to be 100% committed to giving their highest level. If a player can't keep the commitment to that high level, it might be time to step away.
I do think Justine was hoping that getting back on clay, her best surface, would reignite that competitive drive to stay the best. But once she lost this match, the writing was on the wall.
I forget how great Safina was as a ballstriker. She was superb!
The last straw to destroy Justine Henin.
She was much less powerful in 2008, especially her forehand. She struggled to play with powerful opponents, lost to Maria Sharapova 4-6/0-6 in Australian Open and defeated by Serena Williams 2-6/0-6 in Miami Open. I can feel her frustration in the 3rd set of this match, as her backhand was attacked and overwhelmed by Safina's top-spin and powerful stroke. Even though she tried everything, she still totally lost control of the match. Such frustration happened again when she was defeated by Samantha Stosur in 2010 Roland Garros R16.
Her peak of career was in 2007, when her play was aggressive and full of wisdom. If she could win Wimbledon, her career would be perfect. However, she already created lots of miracle and she is one of legends in the history of women's tennis.
Dinara Safina y Justine Henin son grandes y excelentes jugadoras.
the beginning of the rise of safina and the end for justine
Justine played with a bad knee throughout 2008 and wasn’t at her best. I wish she only took a long break and not retire at the time. Along with Serena and Venus, she’s the best tennis player of that generation. Those are top 3 in my opinion. Love Justine! Allez Juju 💕
And people keep saying that she would have prevented Serena to win 23 slams,LOL! She was already cooked in 2008. 06 and 07 took her a lot. And when she came back, she didn’t have the fluidity anymore.
I’m sorry for my comment. I was supposed to write this somewhere else.