Tributes to Justine Henin

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - Following is a selection of tributes to Belgian world number one Justine Henin, who retired from tennis on Wednesday.

LARRY SCOTT (WTA Tour chief executive): "Justine Henin will be remembered as one of the all-time great champions in women's tennis, and a woman who made up for her lack of size with a will to win and fighting spirit that was second to none," he said in a statement.

"It is rare that an athlete leaves at the very top of her game in this day and age but Justine has always played by her own rules.

"History will remember Justine for not only her seven grand slam titles and three years finishing as the WTA Tour's world number one but for one of the most graceful backhands the sport has ever seen and an ability to overcome any and all obstacles placed in her way on the tennis court and off."

FRANCESCO RICCI BITTI (ITF president): "Justine Henin has been an outstanding athlete of her generation, and had a grace and style on court that distinguished her from other players. She has always been one of my favourite players to watch.

"Her victory at the 2004 Athens Olympics was Belgium's only gold medal at the Games and we are sorry that she won't be able to defend her title in Beijing. She has made a huge contribution to the sport."

MARIA SHARAPOVA (Russia), women's world number two behind Henin: "She's 25 years old and she's achieved so much in her career. If I was 25 and I'd won so many grand slams I'd quit too," Sharapova told a news conference.

"Without being the strongest or the biggest, she's won so much. She's an inspiration. There's so many things to life and I'm sure she wants to explore them. I definitely don't blame her for retiring."

ROGER FEDERER (Switzerland), men's world number one: "It's obviously a shock for the tennis world. It's a particular surprise before Roland Garros and Wimbledon, which she's never won.