Justine Henin: “I never finished high school and it will always be a small regret of mine”

The Belgian tennis legend would like her children to embark on a dual career if they embrace high level sport like her mentee, German student-athlete and Rhine-Ruhr 2025 rising star, Gina Dittman.

Two lovely young women with contagious smiles, blonde ponytails and a passion for tennis. The mentor, Belgian tennis superstar Justine Henin admires the fact that her mentee, German student-athlete Gina Dittmann studies business administration and finance as well as taking part to the tennis professional circuit. And on the other hand, the 22 year old understandably admires her host of the day’s incredible career.

Gina Dittmann travelled to Justin Henin’s academy in Belgium for this once in a lifetime opportunity: a mentorship – the second one on the road to the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games after artistic gymnasts Fabian Hambüchen and Luke Whitehouse – with the Athens 2004 Olympic Champion, winner of seven Grand Slam tournaments and a role model who stayed number one in the world for 117 weeks.

Gina Dittman also started tennis really young, at only six years old. At the time she also practised field hockey and then switched to football. “Watching you move on the court, it is obvious to me that you have done other sports”, comments Justine Henin who coached Gina on court before chatting to her at the club house. ” You are very energetic, very dynamic. I can see that you want to play an agressive tennis. You like using your backhand the most, that is for sure. But if you trust it more, I am sure that you will be able to also cause problems to your opponent with your forehand!”

Age was at the centre of all discussion between the two tenniswomen. They both started holding racquets really young, but success came fast in Henin’s case.

After finishing school, Gina Dittmann moved to the United States to pursue studies at NAU (Northern Arizona University). After two years, she transferred to NC State University (North Carolina State University). There, she was temporarily ranked second nationally in Division I with her team and achieved a second place at the 2023 NCAA Championships in Orlando. In recent years, she has also achieved notable success on the professional tour in the W15 category and already proved herself in the W50 category.

“I was really late joining the pro circuit when there are so many very young players so high up in the ranks”, said Dittmann in a shy voice. “Sure, but we also have very good recent examples of American players who also came on the circuit late (Ben Shelton, 22 years old or Emma Navarro, 24 years old), which proves that you don’t absolutely have to peak at 16 or 17”, answered Henin with a reassuring tone. “You can also reach your best level at 24 or 25 years old. I really like the idea that you can keep improving at your own rhythm.”

The two women discussed the pride and excitement of playing for their respective countries and about pre-tournament stress. “I believe having a routine is crucial”, advised Justine Henin. “Doing the same things, the same way in the same order brings a sense of security. But the most important advice I want to give you today is to enjoy yourself! After all, this is the ultimate reason we play tennis, isn’t it?”