Henin calls early end to her career

Justine Henin has announced her retirement from tennis aged just 25.

The world No1's last competitive appearance was earlier this month at the German Open, where she suffered a third-round exit.

Henin, who has won seven Grand Slam titles, said: "It's the end of a wonderful adventure but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time.

"A new future is ahead and I won't go back on this decision."

After being beaten in Berlin last week, Henin pulled out of the Rome tournament blaming fatigue and was facing a £10,000 fine from the WTA Tour.

The Belgian's career has been blighted by health problems and she has recently been troubled by a knee injury.

Henin's 2007 season saw her reunited with her family after years of personal problems and the break-up of her marriage. She spoke of the joy that they were at Roland Garros to see her win her fourth French Open title on clay.

But Henin was not the same force on grass and never won Wimbledon.