Thank U, Justine Pt 2

It was 2001 when i started to notice Ms Justine Henin. Despite being in the Women's tennis tour for many years, she only burst into the limelight in 2001. She reached the women's singles semifinals of the French Open and the women's singles final of Wimbledon.

What really caught my eye was her relatively small form (she's 5 feet 5 tall) and big game. She's the only noticeable female tennis player who uses a single backhand. She's always referred to as the Federer of female tennis for having such a complete game & skills. Her western forehand is generally regarded as her most dangerous weapon, but its her single backhand that brought her international fame and admiration. Her signature single backhand is even more powerful than her compatriots' double backhand.

Now many people may think "What's the big deal with single or double backhand? Same same what." Let me tell you, it's not the same! Double backhand is a more steady shot. U can be off balanced and still hit a pretty ok double backhand. But with single backhand, u must always be ready and prepare your strokes early.

So after watching Justine on TV in 2001, i made the decision to change my backhand from double to single. As i mentioned earlier, since my double backhand has no impact/pace at all, i'm eager for a change and improvement. If a small lady like Justine can have such a big game, so can i! haha...

From then onwards, i hired a coach for one-to-one training to improve my new single backhand. Of course as with all sports, some days u play good, some days u play horrendously. I came to realize that no matter how bad your game is for any particular day, just commit yourself to your game and hit the game out regardless of the results.

My single backhand is now my main weapon in my tennis game. I love playing tennis and the sport had helped me grow alot. I believed i've learned to be more determined, more focus and enjoy every minute of the sport. I hope that our body can hold up well into its old age and still be playing tennis with my kakis.

This is how much Justine Henin had influenced my game. So thank u and Allez Justine!