World number one Justine Henin is set to announce her retirement from professional tennis at a press conference this afternoon.

The 25-year-old is due to make the announcement at a news conference at 1500 BST, according to Belgian newspaper De Standaard.

The Belgian's agent Ken Meyerson confirmed that the world number one called him on Sunday evening saying, "I've won everything I need to win, I have more money than I can use in three lifetimes, and I don't have the will to play one day more."

Winner of seven Grand Slam singles crowns, Henin suffered a surprise defeat in the third round of the German Open last week. She then withdrew from this week's Italian Open, citing fatigue.

Only last week Henin wrote on her website that she had been training without any problems and was injury free.

"She's simply burned out and has no more juice to go on," Meyerson told ESPN.

"I was surprised at the urgency of the decision. We, as agents, like long farewells. I'm really sad.

"She did so much for the game, and we need her in the women's game. Pound-for-pound, she was one of the best tennis players in history. She was an underdog. She was someone we could relate to."

Wimbledon is the only Grand Slam tournament to have eluded her, with runner-up finishes in 2001 and 2006 her best results in London.

Despite her patchy form this season, Henin would be a favourite heading into this month's Roland Garros to win a fifth French Open crown.

Her retirement would come a year after compatriot and fellow former world number one Kim Clijsters walked away from the sport to start a family.

Reuters