On one special day in 2003, I was walking downstairs in my apartment, and my maid was watching TV.
What was on TV: A screen filled with brown-coloured dirt, and I see two women playing a game called tennis, in Paris.
One of the woman was wearing a white top and grey skirt. I was drawn to the gamestyle she had. Incidently, I didn't watch this match in full that time, I was still so amazed at how she played, and how she hit the ball. That was the first time I ever watched tennis, and needless to say, it was the beginning of my tennis following days. This woman would go on to win the French Open.
Because tennis wasn't popular in Malaysia, I hardly saw her play much. The next time I did, I saw her playing at the US Open. This time I saw the match in full. And again I was amazed by how she played. She was nearly down and out in the match, but she managed to win.
From then onwards, I knew I was always going to be a fan of hers.
In 2004, I learnt that I was going to Melbourne, Australia. And I realised that there was a major tournament there, and I made it a point to go. For her. And I saw her practice and play. It was a joy. And when she won the tournament, I was overjoyed.
Years have past since then, there have been so many ups and downs in her career. Injury, marriage divorce, everything. Finally she retired in 2008. My interest in tennis, although still there, was undeniably waning.
Then I learnt in 2009, she would be playing the 2010 season. That was pretty much the highlight of my year. I was just so happy I shed a tear. However, in 2010, though it started off strong, she was a shadow of her former self. Time was no longer her friend. She was no longer the same player I knew in 03-07. She would later end her 2010 season with an elbow injury she suffered in London.
Back she came in 2011, and again though she started strongly, eventually the elbow injury was too much to handle. And this led to her second retirement in 26th January 2011.
Needless to say, I am deeply saddened by this news. Gone are the days where my heart would race whenever I saw her playing on TV. Gone are the days where you see excellent court-craft skills on court. Sure there are player that have similar gamestyle, but she was arguably the best. Though it's been a bittersweet career, she wouldn't have been what she is now without it.
Farewell Justine Henin. Thank you.
