Just two weeks shy of the Australian Open (the tennis Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific), world no. 1 Justine Henin-Hardenne announced that she will not play due to personal reasons. 
A Belgian newspaper apparently reported that the reason was marital problems with her husband of four years, Pierre-Yves Hardenne. Justine haven’t confirmed the news herself but her physical trainor said that Justine is staying in Belgium while her husband stays at their apartment in Monaco. She’s reported to have started training again and might be able to resume playing by February.
It’s a sad news, especially considering that she was last year’s Australian Open finalist. She lost to Amelie Mauresmo when she had to retire midmatch due to stomach cramps. She was widely criticized for that; a lot of people thought it was unsportsmanlike behavior. She lost the first set and was losing the second when she retired.
With Justine out, the field is wide open for Maria Sharapova. I wouldn’t be surprised if she win this, too, after winning the last Slam (the 2006 U.S. Open).
