Exhausted Henin-Hardenne to miss rest of the year
(Agencies)
Updated: 2004-10-12 16:27

Belgium's Justine Henin-Hardenne will not play tennis for the rest of the year in a bid to recover from exhaustion.

Olympic champion Justine Henin-Hardenne is still suffering from a mystery virus which has plagued her for much of this year. [Reuters]

The former world number one has not competed since losing in the fourth round of the U.S. Open to Nadia Petrova, but she believes a break will help her finally shake off the lingering effects of a virus that has plagued her year.

"After long reflection, I've decided to put a stop to the season of 2004," the Australian Open and Olympic champion said on her website on Monday

"I didn't regain my strength as I hoped these last few weeks. The virus I contracted in April is nothing more than the effect of the tiredness I got myself into a couple of months ago.

"The last two years I made a lot of effort to get where I am now, to become the number one, to win grand slams and the Olympics."

Henin-Hardenne began the year in style by winning the Australian Open for the first time in her career, underlining her dominance in the women's game at that time.

But she crashed out early in the French Open in May and did not even compete at Wimbledon as she was sidelined for most of the summer.

Although she bounced back to win the gold medal in Athens she looked jaded at Flushing Meadows where she surrendered her world number one spot.

"It's logical that I'm this tired. It's high time I get some rest now. A period of rest will allow me to recharge my batteries and become even stronger," she said.

"When I'm fully recovered, the enthusiasm to win will be even bigger. Even though I've had a tough season, I can't complain about my results; five victories and two big titles."

Her decision means she will also miss the year-ending WTA Championship from November 10-15.

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