The loss of her mother Francoise 13 years ago and a subsequent estrangement from her father and siblings left her more thoughtful and driven than many her age.

She had promised Francoise during a trip to the 1992 Roland Garros final between Steffi Graf and Monica Seles, that ‘one day I will win here’.

It took her 11 years to fulfil that vow.

The 1.67 metre tall Henin paired her unparalleled on-court elan with a mental fortitude to be feared and became the first Belgian to win a Grand Slam crown.

She went on to pick up seven slams in all, four of them in Paris. Despite twice contesting the Wimbledon final, the Rosewater Dish ended up being the only notable trophy missing from her impressive collection.

Never one to scream or grunt on court, Henin also had tennis purists drooling as she caressed the ball with her effortless style and unfurled the most breathtaking backhand for sublime winners.

Killer backhand

Her fan club included John McEnroe, who credited the Monte Carlo-based player with having the best single-handed backhand in the sport, amongst men or women.

Such was her talent she easily outclassed the achievements of fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters, who despite being a year younger than Henin retired last year after winning only one major.

Even off-court dramas could not throw Henin off course for too long.

A debilitating viral illness left her confined to a sickbed for several months in 2004 but she returned in a predictable manner, by winning an Olympic gold medal in Athens.

... contd.