HOWEY-IN-THE-HILLS, FL, USA - Justine Henin celebrated her upcoming comeback to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour with coach Carlos Rodríguez at their US-based 6th Sense Tennis Academy on Halloween. Located at Mission Inn Resort & Club in Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, the 6th Sense Tennis Academy recently became endorsed by Tecnifbre, a leading manufacturer of tennis racquets, strings and stringing machines in the tennis industry.
The festivities began Saturday morning at 9:30am when Henin had a one hour practice session with an up-and-coming player, followed by a 30-minute autograph session and tennis demonstrations, games and on-court activities for prizes (sponsored by Tecnifibre) with Henin and Rodríguez.
Many local schools and players from tennis clubs in the community and surrounding Orlando area were invited out to participate in the activities with Henin and Rodríguez, and resulted in a tremendous response of over 200 people who attended to watch the practice and wait in a long line to get autographs from Henin. Henin's dog Deuce also made a cameo with her for the day, watching Henin practice from the sidelines and following her everywhere.
"It is special for me to share my passion for tennis with others, and it was so great to have many young children come out today and be a part of the activities with me and Carlos at our Academy," Henin said.
Check out the Justine's Best Moments photo gallery!
Mission Inn Resort & Club is home of the first 6th Sense Tennis Academy in the US and was launched by Henin and Rodríguez in September 2008 to offer their proven, specific, differential philosophy to other rising tennis players.
"Everyone at Mission Inn is excited and proud that Justine is returning to competition," commented Donna Line, Mission Inn Resort & Club Owner. "She was so generous with the tennis juniors who attended the event, and they really appreciated being with her."
"It was a great celebration of Justine's comeback to competition, and a unique opportunity for our members and central Florida tennis enthusiasts to see Justine train with her coach Carlos Rodríguez," added Cesar Villarroel, Mission Inn's Director of Tennis and Fitness.
Since the Academy's inception, it now has students from all over the world training at its top-level facilities, and has acquired a new Academy Director - Michael Dermience - from Belgium, who can effectively implement the method and philosophy formed by Henin and Rodriguez. Essential components of the 6th Sense Tennis Academy philosophy that have been passed on through knowledge to the students include cohesion, solidarity, commitment, investment, listening, mutual respect and trust.
For more information about the 6th Sense Tennis Academy please visit its official website at www.6senstennisacademie.com.
