Serena Williams and Justine Henin haven't always had an idyllic relationship. It all started in 2003, when grand favorite Serena lost in the semifinals of the French Open to the Belgian, in front of an incredibly loud and obnoxious French crowd.
What made Williams mad beyond the loss, was a moment that went down to history. Serena ready to serve her first serve, Justine raises her hand to signal her opponent to wait, Serena throws the serve away and gets ready to serve the first ball again.
The umpire hasn't seen Justine, tells Serena it is a second serve. The American asks the Belgian to confirm she had her hand raised. She denies. Serena serves the second serve, loses the point and the match soon after. Here is a VIDEO of the scene: Henin in the years apologized, but the relationship between the two never turned on a loving path.
Now, years after having hanged her racket to the hook Justine reveals to francetvsport.fr why Serena Williams has been the greatest player she has ever met on a tennis court. "The shot that highlights the most Serena's incredible gifts and talent it's her serve, because in those days where she is serving well there is no way to beat her.
In general though, is her mental strength that impresses more than all her qualities. I really am impressed by Serena's mental toughness. I have a story that explains it very well. I was playing against her in 2010, in the Australian Open final.
It was the year I got back on the tour after my first retirement. I was up 1-0 and had two break points. From that moment on, she served three consecutive aces" told Justine.