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Former World No. 1 Justine Henin, of Belgium, says that tennis players will need to adapt to the new normal and anyone hoping that the tennis circuit will resume in the same way prior to the shutdown would be disappointed.
Justine Henin on the resumption of the circuit
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Henin was speaking to Sporza and says, "That there will be no fans is of course very sad.
But anyone who expects the tennis circuit to resume in the same way as before will be disappointed. Some say now: if I can't travel with my entire team, it will be difficult. Those are luxury problems for me. Nobody is going to die from that.
Think about the other players who are happy that they will be able to play and earn something like that. I respect players who choose not to play, but I would still try to stay positive. We will have to adapt. " Henin says playing the French Open one week after the hardcourt event is not ideal but these are exceptional circumstances.
"In normal times, it is of course not ideal to play on clay a week after playing tennis on hard court. But this is 2020, this is an exceptional year that also requires exceptional responses. I am thinking again of the players who still have the chance to play 2 grand slams anyway.
That can give them some financial breathing space for the months that follow." Speaking about the comeback of countrywoman Kim Clijsters, Henin says, "I don't know the reasons why she is coming back. But of course I respect it.
If she still feels like it and feels that there are still opportunities for her, why not? The message is positive for other mothers and women. I could not do it as a mom. Those are two demanding lives. But no one knows her goals.
She mainly wants to have fun and challenge herself? Or does she want to make it to the top 10?" Speaking of the young Belgian 15-year-old Sofia Costoulas, Henin satsm "The current crisis has brought her to a halt. But she has worked a lot.
She really goes for it 100 percent and really wants to become a professional player. It is difficult to predict at this age where she will end, but we are optimistic. 2020 she wanted to take steps and then gradually move to the professional circuit the following year.
" Justine Henin spent a total of 117 weeks as the world No. 1 and was the year-end No. 1 in 2003, 2006 and 2007.
