The world of women's tennis is reeling after world No.1 and seven-times Major winner Justine Henin announced her retirement from the sport.

The Belgian's announcement comes at the height of her career and the age of 25 - a time when she should be reaching the peak of her physical fitness.

But having endured a slump of form in recent months and having had some terrible luck with injuries and illness in the past, she has confirmed it is the end of the road. What a loss to women's tennis she will be.

'She broke the mould for what people think of women tennis players, in a profession where bulging biceps or statuesque figures are almost a prerequisite'

At a time when the sport was becoming increasingly dominated by power players like the Williams sisters and Amelie Mauresmo, Henin brought a finesse and style that the game was lacking.

That was not to say she did not have power. She had a fearsome forehand and a backhand that John McEnroe described as the best he has ever seen in both the men's and women's games.

She broke the mould for what people think of women tennis players, in a profession where bulging biceps or statuesque figures are almost a prerequisite.