The level of women’s tennis has improved, but rivalries are lacking on the WTA says former world No. 1 Justine Henin.
"There seems to be more surprises nowadays, there's a little more irregularity” told the Roland Garros website in a new interview. “The level of tennis in general has improved, I think. You can play some solid tennis with someone ranked 50th or 60th in the world so the average level has improved, I think. But I do think the rivalries are lacking somewhat.”
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World No. 1 Serena Williams and Henin forged a tremendous rivalry with Williams holding an 8-6 lead in their head-to-head series despite the fact Henin defeated Williams in three consecutive Grand Slam quarterfinals in 2007. Williams said those losses inspired her to improve her fitness and commitment.
The first Belgian to be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame says increased consistency from Top 10 players can help create rivalries.
“The thing that brings tennis to new levels is when you regularly have several consistent female players,” Henin said. “Voilà. There are lots of interesting styles and good female players, but I've always been a big fan of men's tennis too.
“I still follow the game, but less than before, that's for sure. I have other passions in my life now, other things I want to discover and do. When tennis is the only thing you've done for 25 years, the world has a lot to offer! So I don't sit at home in front of my TV constantly watching matches."
The 34-year-old Henin took to social media to announce the birth of her son, Victor, on May 3rd.
“Yesterday morning, a little prince came to beautify our lives. His name is Victor and he already fills us with joy,” wrote Justine in a Facebook post. “We are super happy to see our family growing.”
Victor is the second child for Henin and husband Benoit.
The couple’s daughter, Lalie, is now four years old and is beginning to gain an understanding of her mother’s tennis achievements.
"Yes, she knows. But it's funny because a few days ago, she saw a photo of me wearing my tennis gear and she said: 'Look Mummy, it's Justine Henin in the picture!' Henin said. “She doesn't make the connection but she knows I've achieved things, she knows there's a strong connection between her mum and tennis. She's seen me in pictures lifting trophies.
"But at the same time, it's kind of the same for me: I know it's me, but it's almost another me nonetheless, because my life has changed so much since then. She understands that there was something else, obviously without grasping the finer details, but that impresses her anyway. Of course I'm happy she can experience this environment, and discover this world that was once mine. But...not too much either."