The International Tennis Federation has awarded Justine Henin its highest honour, the Philippe Chatrier Award.
Henin received seven Grand Slam singles titles, an Olympic gold medal, and was a part of Belgium’s group that received the Fed Cup — now referred to as the Billie Jean King Cup — in 2001.
The award, named after the previous ITF president, was launched in 1996 and acknowledges individuals who have made important contributions to the game on and off the court docket.
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“She was one of the best players of her generation on the court and since retirement has made a significant and ongoing contribution to our sport at all levels,” ITF president David Haggerty mentioned Saturday.
The 41-year-old Henin has established a profitable academy in Belgium and a charitable basis that helps present sporting alternatives for kids with disabilities.
The award shall be introduced Saturday on the ITF World Champions Awards at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum.
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“I always gave my very best throughout my career and achieved a lot of success,” Henin mentioned. “I have worked very hard since retirement to give back to the sport that I love, and I will continue to do so. Tennis is a unique and brilliant sport that provides benefits for people’s physical and mental health.”
Henin received the French Open 4 occasions, the U.S. Open twice, and the Australian Open as soon as. She was a two-time runner-up at Wimbledon. She received Olympic gold on the 2004 Athens Games.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com