Henin desperate to keep lucky charm in Paris

PARIS: As she eyes a fourth French Open crown, Justine Henin is keen to hang on to her lucky charm.   

The only problem is that her mascot is an 8-year-old boy who cannot keep playing hooky in Paris.   

The presence of Emmanuel Rodriguez, the son of Henin's coach Carlos, has always spurred the Belgian to success and she does not want to risk anything that could change her fortunes.   

"I'm negotiating for him to stay. Emmanuel is lucky for me," the world number one said after reaching the quarter-finals on Sunday.    "He was there in Dubai and he was so happy to see my victory."   

After the breakdown of her four-year marriage to Pierre-Yves Hardenne, Henin sought comfort with her coach's family.   

The 25-year-old feels their presence has done wonders for her form this year as she has already won three titles in 2007.    "Emmanuel brings a freshness and happiness and I'm very happy I have great people around me," she said.   

"His reaction at the age of eight tells more than when he was three or four.

"When I'm in a foreign country, he would call me. He's more and more interested, and even sometimes puts pressure on me, because he says, 'Tin Tin,' -- that's what he calls me -- 'You must win'.   

"We love each other. Emmanuel's experienced many things with us and he is a great kid. It's just sheer happiness having him with me."   

When reminded that she had never lost a match when Emmanuel was around, she whispered: "Shh, shh. This is something I don't want to talk about."