Tributes to Justine Henin

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Following is a selection of tributes to Belgian world number one Justine Henin, who retired from tennis on Wednesday.

LARRY SCOTT (WTA Tour chief executive): "Justine Henin will be remembered as one of the all-time great champions in women's tennis, and a woman who made up for her lack of size with a will to win and fighting spirit that was second to none," he said in a statement.

"It is rare that an athlete leaves at the very top of her game in this day and age but Justine has always played by her own rules.

"History will remember Justine for not only her seven grand slam titles and three years finishing as the WTA Tour's world number one but for one of the most graceful backhands the sport has ever seen and an ability to overcome any and all obstacles placed in her way on the tennis court and off."

FRANCESCO RICCI BITTI (ITF president): "Justine Henin has been an outstanding athlete of her generation, and had a grace and style on court that distinguished her from other players. She has always been one of my favorite players to watch.

"Her victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics was Belgium's only gold medal at the Games and we are sorry that she won't be able to defend her title in Beijing. She has made a huge contribution to the sport."

ROGER FEDERER (Switzerland), men's world number one: "It's obviously a shock for the tennis world. It's a particular surprise before Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which she's never won.

"It's quite surprising and unfortunate that she's out of the game but she will have her reasons.

"She is a special player because she can play on any surface and it's remarkable that she's won so many tournaments because she is small and the tall players coming in now have an advantage.