Clijsters shocked at Henin retirement

Kim Clijsters yesterday said she was shocked to hear fellow Belgian Justine Henin had called it quits, and saddened that the pint-sized great’s career had been cut short by injury.

Clijsters, who like Henin took a mid-career break but has won two Grand Slams since returning, said she did not know that the seven-time major-winner’s persistent elbow injury was so serious.

Henin, who ended a two-year retirement early last year, made a low-key announcement on her website, just days after being bundled out of the Australian Open by Russia’s Svetlana Kuznetsova.

“I mean, I was obviously surprised when I heard that news this morning,” Clijsters said. “To be honest, I haven’t been in touch with her, so I can’t really know what the situation is with her elbow.

“Obviously it’s a sad situation to see such a great player end her career in this kind of way.”

Russia’s Vera Zvonareva said the four-time French Open champion would be sorely missed.

“You never want to see a player like Justine retire, because she’s great for women’s tennis,” she said.

“Her achievements were great. She has done a lot for women’s tennis and she’s a great player. I’ll definitely miss her on the tour.”