Justine Henin

Seven Grand Slams and the finest one-handed backhand in women's tennis history — Henin retired at 25 at the absolute peak of her powers.

Justine Henin was born in Liège, Belgium in 1983 and turned professional in 1999, winning 7 Grand Slam singles titles and retiring undefeated as world number one in May 2008 — the only player in the Open Era to retire at the top of the rankings. She won 4 French Opens (2003, 2004, 2005, 2007), 2 US Opens (2003, 2007) and the 2004 Australian Open. She held the world number one ranking for 117 weeks. Her one-handed backhand — struck with topspin from a closed stance — was the most technically beautiful groundstroke in women's tennis since Graf and is widely considered the finest one-handed backhand in women's tennis history. She won Olympic gold at Athens 2004. She won the WTA Finals in 2006 and 2007. Her 79% career win percentage and 43 titles came despite her relatively modest physical stature — at 5ft 5in she was smaller than most opponents, compensating through timing, angles and footwork of extraordinary quality. She made a comeback in 2010–2011 but was unable to recapture her peak level. Her victory over Kim Clijsters at the 2003 US Open — where she raised her hand to indicate a disputed let call that potentially cost Clijsters a match point — remains one of the most controversial moments in women's Grand Slam history.

• French Open 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 (4 titles)
• US Open 2003, 2007
• Australian Open 2004
• Olympic Gold 2004 (Athens)
• WTA Finals 2006, 2007
• Retired undefeated as world No.1 (2008)