ITF

ITF World Summer 2023 27 CHATRIER AWARD At the Justine Henin Academy in Limelette, Belgium, the guiding ethos is that every tennis player is unique, and that coaching takes its lead from a player's personal goals. In many ways Henin herself embodies this philosophy perfectly. From the moment she burst onto the scene to win the Roland Garros girls' title age 15, the Belgian trod a unique path. She played tennis and built her outstanding career her way, burning an intense trail to the very top of the women's game. In July, Henin was honoured for that career, and the contributions she now makes to tennis off the court, with the ITF Philippe Chatrier Award. She was presented with the ITF's highest honour at the ITF World Champions Awards presented by UNIQLO, an event which also celebrated the achievements of the 2022 ITF World Champions. Against the stunning backdrop of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, the seven- times Grand Slam champion accepted her award in front of tennis peers, representatives of the tennis family and the Grand Slam tournaments, and members of former ITF President Philippe Chatrier's family. "I didn't expect this to be so emotional," Henin said. "It's a special moment. When we receive awards during our career we don't really have time to think about it and when it's after our career, we have more time to think and we have more time also to let the emotions come. "Having the opportunity to be in front of all these people, a lot of people I didn't see for a long time, that have been part of my life during so many years. It's fantastic to look back, it's fantastic to think about all these moments – the good moments, the bad moments – the people I've met, and everything I've learned about myself." She thanked her brothers for helping her, and Steffi Graf for providing her inspiration. Top to bo om: Playing her signature backhand; at work with the Jus ne Henin Founda on; she li ed the Roland Garros trophy four mes

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