Just a year and a half ago, Justine Henin ruled the WTA tennis tour, and many were calling her the best women’s player of our generation. It seemed like no one could stop the diminutive but powerful Henin.

Suddenly, Henin decided to call it a career during the summer of 2008. Many were shocked by this revelation, as there was simply no reason for her to retire. After all, it’s not as if she was slowing down.

According to Henin, she had grown tired of all of the training and traveling that came with the grueling lifestyle of being a pro tennis player. As a result, she thought that a retirement would be the best personal move.

She decided to devote her time to charity work and a school that trained younger children in the world of tennis.

Even though she was gone, people still regularly spoke of Henin. Every tournament left fans wondering if she would have won had she still been playing. Fans no longer have to wonder though. After announcing her return last fall, the former top ranked player is back on the women’s tour now.

Still, there was doubt. Would she be able to play at the level she left off at? When someone goes nearly two years without playing a professional match, they can’t be expected to be as good.

Boy, were they wrong. Justine Henin looked as if she never took a day off after easily beating Nadia Petrova in straight sets at Brisbane. The competitive fire still burns in this warrior. In fact, some people claimed that she looked as if she never even took a day off.

From here, there’s one thing on her mind, and no one’s doubting she can get there. Expect to see her back at the top in due time.

About this writer: Besides sports, the writer also regularly writes on stoneware dinnerware sets and china dinnerware.

'200811133098', 'http%3A%2F%2Fsmithtelevision.com%2Fjustine-henin-stages-an-epic-return%2F', 'Justine+Henin+Stages+An+Epic+Return')" onclick="cw(this, {id:'200811133098',link: 'http%3A%2F%2Fsmithtelevision.com%2Fjustine-henin-stages-an-epic-return%2F', title: '+Justine+Henin+Stages+An+Epic+Return+' })"/>