Henin Announces Return To Tennis

posted by eric on 5th, 2009

On Halloween at Mission Inn Resort & Club, seven-time Grand Slam Champion and former Sony Ericsson WTA Tour World No. 1 Justine Henin celebrated her comeback to the Tour in 2010 with long-time coach Carlos Rodriguez at their U.S. based 6th Sense Tennis Academy.

“After 15 months of absence, I am pleased to announce to you that I’ve decided to begin my second tennis career,” Henin announced via her Web site. “I don’t want to describe it as a comeback. It’s a new life that opens for me.”

Henin was the world’s No. 1 player when she abruptly retired in 2008. Henin won 41 WTA singles titles as seven of those titles were Grand Slam singles titles, including four French Opens, one Australian Open and two U.S. Opens.

“I left tired, exhausted and felt a deep need to prove that I can live differently than only through tennis. I wanted to be like everyone else – to live as an adult, not a child, but as a grown woman,” she said.

On Saturday, Henin had a one-hour practice session during the morning, followed by a 30-minute autograph session along with tennis demonstrations, games and on-court activities for prizes.

More than 200 people attended to watch the practice and wait in a long-line to get autographs from Henin.

“It is special for me to share my passion for tennis with others, and it was so great to have many young children come out today and be apart of the activities with me and Carlos at our Academy,” she said.

The 6th Sense Tennis Academy at Mission Inn Resort & Club is home of the first 6th Sense Tennis Academy in the U.S. and was launched by Henin and Rodriguez in September of 2008 to offer their proven, specific, differential philosophy to other rising tennis players.

“It was a great celebration of Justine’s come back to competition, and a unique opportunity for our members and central Florida tennis enthusiasts to see Justine train with her coach Carlos Rodriguez,” added Cesar Villarroel, Mission Inn’s Director of Tennis and Fitness.

For more information about the 6th Sense Tennis Academy please visit www.6senstennisacademie.com, email m.dermience@6senstennisacademie.com or call 352-617-9614.