Fast Break
Tennis
Henin surprises tennis world
Justine Henin retired from tennis Wednesday, an abrupt ending to a short and successful career in which she won seven Grand Slam singles titles and leaves while ranked No. 1.
The 25-year-old Belgian made the surprising announcement at a news conference in Limelette, Belgium, less than two weeks before the start of the French Open. She has won that clay-court major championship four times, including each of the past three years.
“This is the end of a child’s dream,” said Henin, the first woman to retire from tennis while atop the WTA rankings. “This is a definitive decision. Those who know me know it is serious.”
Her announcement came a day after one of the greatest female golfers in history said she’s walking away: Annika Sorenstam, owner of 10 major titles and one of six women to complete a career Grand Slam in her sport, is retiring at the end of the season.
Henin, though, won’t have any sort of farewell tour. She is quitting immediately.
College football
Hicks suspended for three games
Washington State safety Xavier Hicks Jr., serving a 45-day jail sentence in Whitman County, has been suspended for the first three games of the 2008 football season.
WSU coach Paul Wulff said Hicks’ punishment was determined in consultation with the team’s Unity Council, a player leadership group.
The suspension means Hicks, 21, will miss WSU’s game in Seattle against Oklahoma State, the Pac-10 opener at home against Cal and a non-conference game at Baylor.
Hicks, who started three games last season, pleaded guilty last month to third-degree attempted assault and third-degree theft, both gross misdemeanors. His plea agreement came after being charged in February with two felonies.
Golf
Have you hit Torrey Pines?
The 2008 U.S. Open will be held on the Torrey Pines South Course near San Diego in mid-June.
We’re looking for area golfers who have recently played the South Course and would be willing to talk about their experience.
If you fit the bill, please send your contact information to staff writer Jim Meehan at jimm@spokesman.com.