JOIN USHenin returns to tennis at Brisbane
The former world number one’s return to tournament tennis will pit her against compatriot and fellow ex-retiree Kim Clijsters, who won September’s US Open just five weeks after ending a two-year hiatus.
“After a 15-month absence, I am pleased to begin my second tennis career at the Brisbane International,” the 27-year-old Henin said in a statement.
“It will be great to get back to playing competitive tennis again and with the strong field, the same court surface and a similar climate to Melbourne, it will be the perfect preparation leading into the Australian Open.”
Tournament director Steve Ayles said Henin will also be up against Serbia’s former French Open champion, Ana Ivanovic, and home favourite Jelena Dokic at the January 3-10 event.
“It will be tremendous to see Justine match up against her former rival and countrywoman Kim Clijsters,” said Ayles.
“With the former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and Australian Open quarterfinalist Jelena Dokic confirmed, we are looking at an extremely strong women’s field.”
Henin said her comeback goal was to win Wimbledon, the only Grand Slam event to elude her, and has vowed to return to the top of women’s tennis.
“Tennis is what I do best. I’m 27 and still physically capable,” she said in September. “I like a real challenge. Ambition is part of me, I need to live something exceptional, to feel the adrenalin.”