Minus the Hardenne
Earlier this year, women’s world No. 1 Justine Henin had a longer name. Halfway through, the Hardenne was dropped. I’m just thankful her tennis wasn’t.
I can have a great deal of appreciation for a lot of different tennis players. I think Venus Williams has an excellent game. Serena also can pull those wins from somewhere. Justine Henin, though, I’ve watched her for a long time and I have liked her style of play for the same amount of time.
Maybe it’s because she’s shorter or maybe it’s because of her composure and steel on the court or maybe it’s because her game is complete. She’s in control of her emotions and she can sure play tennis. She’s not unbeatable - not nearly close to that although she is dominantly ahead in points.
Just watch her play sometime. I’m sure you have but if you haven’t then you certainly should. Her demeanor on the court reminds me of Roger Federer. A stretch? Aeh - I’m comparing a male tennis player to a female tennis player. That’s stretched so far that it really doesn’t matter who I compare.
Tags: composure, Justine Henin, Roger Federer, Venus-and-Serena-WilliamsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Justine Henin
3 opinions for Minus the Hardenne
Sirened
Oct 8, 2007 at 8:06 pm
Henin is one of the greatest lesser talked about female tennis players in recent memory. Obviously they talk about her because she wins grand slams and is #1 but she’s not flashy like a lot of other players (Sharapova, Williams sisters, etc.), she just wins.
Erica
Oct 8, 2007 at 10:33 pm
I completely agree with you - I think that’s probably why I like her. She gets it done without having to make herself the center of attention.
Jodie
Oct 10, 2007 at 11:29 am
The Federer-Henin comparison isn’t much of a stretch; both are my favorite players on their respective tours and both are the most artful among their peers.
Henin is a fierce competitor who doesn’t get glam photo shoots or glitzy endorsements–she just gets the job done. Bonus points because she’s a giant-slayer with a ton of power in a small frame.
We LOVE it that Erica is pro-Justine! :)
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