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Women's tennis need big names, rivalries : Justine Henin

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Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : May 01 2019 | 7:00 PM IST

Fierce rivalries are key for the growth of any sport and seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin laments that women's tennis lacks iconic tussles such as between Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal on the men's circuit.

In the past year, women's tennis has seen four different Grand Slam champions and Henin believes this inconsistency is not good for the sport.

Henin says modern-day women tennis needs rivalries since it is crucial to motivate youngsters.

"We need big names in women's tennis, big rivalries, to give motivation to young girls to play. If you see so many different players are winning, you cannot identify yourself to anyone," Henin said.

"Young girls are watching the player almost every week. It is very important to have a face. It has been a very strange season, all the tournaments have been won by different players. We miss that consistency. Inconsistency is not good for the sport."
"I think the rivalry helped both of us to be better players. I always say I would never be the player have been if Kim wasn't there at that time."
"It will be interesting to see Simona Halep defend her title for the first time in the Grand Slam. I like her game, the way she plays specially on clay.You have to be a complete player, be patient, be mentally tough to win on clay. She has been the most consistent player so far. I think she is going to be the favourite."
"Roland Garros is in my heart, it's in my body. Whenever I go there, even now I feel there is something for me. It's connected to my history. My first connection towards tennis has been at the Roland Garros. I feel at home there. Roland Garros would be tough for me to miss."

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First Published: May 01 2019 | 7:00 PM IST

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