Tennis

Coach: Henin can do better

(China Daily)
Updated: 2010-07-15 09:44

Belgium's Justine Henin hits a return to Belgium's Kim Clijsters at the 2010 Wimbledon tennis championships in London, June 28, 2010. [Agencies]

Justine Henin's coach, Carlos Rodriguez, said he believes the Belgian will be able to play even better tennis than before once she overcomes her current injury.

Related readings:  Henin script in tatters as Nadal marches on  Venus out; Henin beats Sharapova  Belgian coaches look to produce Chinese Henin  Henin overcomes broken finger and fiery German

Henin was defeated by compatriot Kim Clijsters in fourth-round match at Wimbledon last month. She then decided to pull out of all summer hard-court tournaments, including the US Open, due to a right elbow injury she suffered in her loss to Clijsters.

"I think once she gets through that (the injury) she will be able to play better tennis than before," Rodriguez said during his recent visit to China.

The coach said the next tournament on Henin's schedule was the $4.5 million China Open in Beijing in October. "She will definitely be here if she recovers," Rodriguez said. "I hope Beijing is her next tournament."

Rodriguez said Henin should be fully fit next year.

"I think she can do it again (win a Grand Slam) but she needs a little bit more time. Next year she will be ready to win a Grand Slam."