as the French Open draws to a close, and Euro approaches, i can't help but have mixed feelings. there will be many more tournaments, Grand Slams or otherwise, to come, but without henin.

it is something you have to get used to.

nobody stays there forever.

watching sharapova, safina, ivanovic and the rest just doesn't fill me with the same anticipation, the excitement, that heart pounding feeling that henin induces. it is not just because of henin's play, because players like sharapova and ivanovic are also quality players. i think it is more because you have always identified with henin, you appreciate what she tries to do, such that in a way, you are there with her, rooting for her. you can feel the joy, the pain, the disappointment. this is the missing dimension now. that emotional dimension.

it is like watching man u-chelsea. you are watching it detached.

and when you are detached, your heart doesn't pound. when your heart doesn't pound, it just isn't the same.