Net Notes: Classless exit deprives Mauresmo, fans of storybook ending

It was the worst of times. It was the best of times.

I've been involved in tennis for a long time as a fan, player and coach.

As is generally the case with long-term relationships, we've had our ups and downs over the years.

Last weekend I sat at home, sick as a dog, watching the final few rounds of the Australian Open. The three days of play encapsulated those emotional swings.

The American contingent was dismissed quite neatly in the first week by the global talent pool that tennis has showcased in recent years.

But I follow tennis closely, and the absence of American players was neither a surprise nor a disappointment to me.

However, the worst disappointment I've ever felt as a fan, player or coach came next.

The women's final promised to be a real slugfest between Amelie Mauresmo of France and Justine Henin-Hardenne of Belgium.

Mauresmo was a perennial bridesmaid, always falling just short of winning. She had seemingly reached technical, tactical and emotional maturity all in the same week, playing flawless, flowing and devastating tennis.

Until last week, Henin-Hardenne, a three-time Grand Slam champion, was an inspiration for all female players shorter than 5 feet 8 inches (she's a mere 5 feet 6 inches, 130 pounds).

She was getting her hat handed to her by the Frenchwoman at 6-1, 2-0, when she suddenly called for the trainer. Within five minutes she had folded her tent and retreated from the court with her tail between her legs.

Was she injured? No.

Unable to perform because of dehydration and cramping? No.

She complained of an upset stomach, saying the low energy level that it caused didn't allow her to hit as hard as she normally could, so she just quit!

Henin-Hardenne's selfish and unprofessional act deprived Mauresmo of sharing the joy of celebrating her first championship with the crowd at Rod Laver Stadium. She disrespected tennis and all the Australian Open champions who preceded her.

Man, was I bummed.