Justine Henin, a shy, petite Belgian with a fierce desire to win, and big-serving Russian Marat Safin were honoured as the new inductees into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in Newport, Rhode Island during the weekend.

Seven-times grand slam singles winner Henin and twice grand slam champion Safin were joined in the festivities by France’s Amelie Mauresmo, who won election last year but was unable to attend induction ceremonies due to the birth of her son.

Henin, 34, the first Belgian elected to the shrine, said standing in the spotlight was difficult for her but very much appreciated as the culmination of a dream that began at age six.

“Being the centre of the attention is not the best for me,” she said.

“Today is also quite emotional... being part of the history of the game, it’s much more than I could expect for as a little girl. I’m really proud, happy.”

Safin burst to prominence with a stunning straight-sets rout of Pete Sampras in the 2000 US Open final and added the 2005 Australian Open crown over Lleyton Hewitt in addition to helping Russia win two Davis Cup championships.

“This is an amazing place. You feel the power, the energy. You can see what kind of people are living here before. You have a museum, a beautiful place,” said Safin, 36, who turned to politics after retiring from tennis, winning election to Russia’s parliament in 2011.