7.6 Justine Henin: Who Are You Most Afraid Of?

“I'm not afraid of anyone, but sometimes I'm afraid of myself. The mental part is very important.” - Justine Henin

Who is the person you are most afraid of?

Justine Henin is a retired Belgian professional tennis player, widely regarded as one of the greatest female players of her generation. She once said, “I'm not afraid of anyone, but sometimes I'm afraid of myself. The mental part is very important.”

I’m not going to lie, I’ve faced some tough competition, and honestly, I faced some people and teams that I was afraid of. But the most important person we face is ourselves.

When Justine gave this quote, she was highlighting the inner battle athletes often face, especially at the highest levels of competition. She wasn’t intimidated by her opponents, no matter how strong or accomplished they were, because she had the skill, experience, and belief to compete with anyone in the world.

The real challenge wasn’t always across the net — it was inside her own mind. She’s referring to the pressure, doubts, and emotions that can sabotage even the most talented athletes. In this line, she's acknowledging how self-doubt, overthinking, or mental fatigue can be more threatening than any opponent.

How do we beat it?

We master the inner game by training our thoughts the same way we train our skills—through consistent practice, self-awareness, and choosing focus over fear. Confidence comes not just from winning, but from doing the daily work that builds belief and resilience under pressure.

The toughest opponent is often your own mindset, and mastering that inner game is what truly matters in elite sport.

Question of the Day: When pressure hits, what thoughts or habits help you stay focused—and which ones tend to get in your way?