Olympic champion Justine Henin-Hardenne announced on Monday that her season is over because of persistent fatigue brought about by her struggle to recover from a long-term virus.
Henin-Hardenne, who slipped from number one to three in the world after her fourth round exit from the US Open, has not fully recovered from the virus which kept her out of Wimbledon and affected her until the Games in Athens.
"After long reflection, I've decided to put a stop to the season of 2004. I didn't regain my strength as I hoped these last few weeks," the Belgian said on her website.
"The virus I contracted in April, is nothing more than the effect of the tiredness I got myself into a couple of months ago. The last two years, I made a lot of effort to get where I am now, to become the number one, to win Grand Slams and the Olympics.
"I think that it's very logical and understandable that I'm this tired. Its high time I get some rest now. A period of rest will allow me to recharge my batteries and become even stronger. When I'll be fully recovered, the enthusiasm to win will be even bigger.
"Even though I had a tough season, I can't complain when it comes to my results: five victories, the two big titles included, that's not something that should be neglected. Tennis let me experience great moments once again. That's the most important, no doubt."
Henin-Hardenne had been due to play in Zurich from October 18 and the Los Angeles Masters event from November 8.
She won the French Open and US Open in 2003 and the Australian Open at the start of this year, but she didn't play for six weeks prior to this year's French Open because of the virus, similar to glandular fever, which left the normally hyperactive Belgian wanting to sleep all the time.
At Roland Garros at the end of May she was surprisingly beaten in the second round by Tathiana Garbin of Italy. That was only her second match in four months before going to Athens.
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