Henin, Safin inducted into Hall of Fame

Belgian Justine Henin and Russian Marat Safin have been inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.

Seven-times Grand Slam singles champion Henin and twice major winner Safin were joined in the festivities by France’s Amelie Mauresmo, who won election last year but was unable to attend induction ceremonies at Newport, Rhode Island due to the birth of her son.

Henin, 34, the first Belgian elected to the shrine, said standing in the spotlight was difficult for her but very much appreciated as the culmination of a dream that began at age six.

She won four titles at Roland Garros, two US Open crowns, one Australian Open trophy and Olympic gold in Athens 2004.

She completed the 2003, 2006 and 2007 seasons as the year-end world No.1.

“Being part of the history of the game, it’s much more than I could expect for as a little girl. I’m really proud, happy,” Henin said.

Safin burst to prominence with a straight-sets rout of Pete Sampras in the 2000 US Open final and added the 2005 Australian Open crown over Lleyton Hewitt in addition to helping Russia win two Davis Cup championships.

Mauresmo, an Australian and Wimbledon champion and was the first French woman to reach world No.1.