Henin's rivals pay tribute to a "great champion"

By Paul Virgo

ROME (Reuters) - Justine Henin's rivals and peers united in paying tribute to a "great champion" on Wednesday after the Belgian world number one announced she was retiring aged 25.

Henin's sudden announcement ended a decade-long career during which she won 41 singles titles, including seven grand slams crowns.

"She was a great champion and she gave me a world of trouble, so I hope the best for her," American Serena Williams, the only active player to have won more grand slams than Henin, told a news conference at the Italian Open.

"What can you say about such a great champion? I don't think we have enough time."

Serena's sister and fellow former world number one Venus praised Henin's spirit.

"She was a great opponent. She always challenged herself to play her best tennis, no matter what the circumstances. She was just a real fighter," Venus said.

"I don't know what the details are but if she made that decision it's probably the best decision for her. My prayers are with her and I hope that she continues to lead the life that's best for her."

Serbia's world number three Ana Ivanovic said the Belgian had made a unique contribution to her sport.

"(Tennis loses) another champion, she was a great player and she achieved so much. She brought a lot to the women's game," said Ivanovic, runner-up to Henin at last year's French Open.

"She had a completely different game to any other girl on the tour probably. She worked really hard and last year she had some amazing results. I'm sorry to hear this."

Credited with owning the best backhand in the game, Henin bucked the trend of the power players on the tour by climbing to the top of the world rankings despite her slight 1.67 meter frame.

During a stellar 2007, Henin won 10 titles -- more than any other player on the tour -- and on Wednesday she became the first woman to walk away from the sport while ranked number one.

'SPECIAL PLAYER'

However, with the French Open less than two weeks ago, men's world number one Roger Federer admitted he was surprised that Henin chose not to defend her Roland Garros crown.

"It's obviously a shock for the tennis world," Federer said at a news conference after his first match at the Hamburg Masters.