Henin plans to live life to the full

Dubai: Top tennis star Justine Henin wants to live life to the full, and she has outlined the secrets on how to go about it.

"People are generally very important in my life. There are ups and down, and I only want to take the positives and grow from these," Henin said.

On a personal front, Henin has gone through one of the most trying times of her life after parting ways from her husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne last month.

However, these "ups and downs" are some of the things that have helped her grow into a better person over the years. Having lost her mother when she was 12 years old, Henin has tried her best to draw from the positives and grow.

"You need to pull things from the positives and grow as a person and as a player. My desire is to help others and be at peace with myself," she said.

Charity work

"The most important thing for me at this moment is that I am feeling good about myself and about life. I listen to my heart, be generous and move forward," Henin affirmed.

The Belgian has gone on to dedicate time and energy towards charitable works, including her own charity called Justine's Winners' Circle to provide joy and hope to children with cancer.

"The kids of my foundation are the ones who are closest to my heart. It feels nice to be doing something for them," she said.

Special moments

Life has given her much more in return.

"I feel more privileged and blessed and it is important for me to have friends and family around me to share things and special moments with me," Henin stated.

Top of the list among people who can possibly share moments with the world number two player is Frenchwoman Nathalie Dechy.

"She has been around me at some of the worst moments of my life. She has shared my anguish and listened to what I had to say. She has been a good friend," Henin said.