Justine Henin was one of the greatest players of her generation, despite never being able to win Wimbledon.
The Belgian former world number one won seven Grand Slam singles titles during her career: four French Opens, two US Opens and one Australian Open.
Henin twice reached the final of Wimbledon, but failed to win the title on either occasion.
In 2001, Venus Williams defeated Justine Henin 6–1, 3–6, 6–0 in the final. In 2006, Henin again lost, this time to Amelie Mauresmo, 2–6, 6–3, 6–4.
Henin has now sought to explain why she was unable to lift the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Justine Henin explains why she was never able to win Wimbledon
For a player of Justine Henin’s quality, it is certainly a surprise that she never managed to capture a Wimbledon crown.
The Belgian, recognised for her wonderful one-handed backhand, appeared in a recent interview with the Tennis Insider Club, where she discussed the matter.
Henin said: “I missed something from my career, stuff that I wanted to do and I haven’t been able to do. Winning Wimbledon for example, I was in position two times.
“It’s amazing at Wimbledon. I never had that deep conviction that I could win Wimbledon.
“I always thought that there were players who were taller on grass. My first Grand Slam final was against Venus Williams over there, I was 19, and it is not a very good memory.
“I did not have a good experience in that final. My grandfather passed away that day, and that bad memory stayed. I never have been able to believe enough [since].
“That’s why belief is the key to this.
“It’s true to have the right people around you and believe in your potential, and these convictions are vital.
“At Wimbledon, I could not do it.”
Henin’s failure to win Wimbledon meant she was unable to complete the ‘Career Grand Slam.’
A total of 10 female players have achieved the feat: Margaret Court, Steffi Graf, Serena Williams, Doris Hart, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King, Maureen Connolly, Chris Evert, Maria Sharapova and Shirley Fry.
Henin said she didn’t see Wimbledon failure as a regret
In 2016, Henin spoke about her failure to win Wimbledon at a press conference dedicated to her induction into the Hall of Fame.
The Belgian star admitted she had thought about the matter plenty, but maintained that she held no ill feeling regarding the gap in her résumé.
“I don’t see it as a regret,” Henin said.
“I just see it as something that makes me not happy because I wish I could have won it.
“But I have to accept that. It’s far away already. Now life has changed a lot and I feel so pleased and happy about everything I achieved in my career.”
