The biggest surprise of the 2008 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour season happened in May when Justine Henin announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis.
Henin became the only player in Tour history to retire at the top of the sport.
May Highlights
May was the USTA’s National Tennis Month.
Maria Sharapova sparked controversy by her decision to speak out against the WTA Tour’s promotional requirements and fines.
Nick Bollettieri was awarded an honorary doctorate from the New York College of Health Professions.
World No. 1 Justine Henin was beaten by Dinara Safina in the third round at the Qatar Telecom German Open.
Maria Sharapova and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour reached a photo shoot compromise.
On the Baseline launched a new series, Tennis 101.
Justine Henin announced her immediate retirement from professional tennis. Her last match was at the Qatar Telecom German Open when she lost to Safina.
Maria Sharapova reclaimed the No. 1 tennis ranking after Henin requested that her name be removed.
In the wake of betting scandals plaguing both the ATP and Sony Ericsson WTA Tours, an independent panel found that professional tennis is not “systematically nor institutionally corrupt.”
Prince Sports introduced its “O Line” of tennis footwear.
The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and ATP combined forces to assist in relief efforts benefiting victims of the recent earthquake tragedy in Sichuan Province, China.
