Henin shows softer side with WTA tennis appearance

0 Comments | AFP, February, 2008

ANTWERP (AFP) — Justine Henin credits pure emotion with prompting her first WTA appearance on a home tennis court in five years.

The all-business Belgian who has mellowed remarkably since a reapproachment with her formerly estranged family last spring, makes her start at the Diamond Games on Thursday after a first-round bye.

"It's not often that I change my schedule," said the four-time Roland Garros champion who owns 40 career titles. "But I wanted to play at home.

"Since things changed in my life I became closer to my friends. And I wanted to give them the chance to see me play for one last time at an official event here.

"I also think of this as a gift for some of the things that have happened to me over the last few years," said the 25-year-old...