Belgium’s seven-time Grand Slam winner Justine Henin yesterday confirmed she would make her comeback from a 15-month retirement at Australia’s Brisbane International in January.
The former world No. 1’s return will pit her against fellow ex-retiree Kim Clijsters, who won last month’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 favorite Jelena Dokic at the event from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10.
“It will be tremendous to see Justine match up against her former rival and countrywoman Kim Clijsters,” Ayles said.
Despite winning a total of 41 WTA Tour titles and holding the world No. 1 spot for 117 non-consecutive weeks, Henin will be given one of four wildcard entries into the tournament, as she has no current WTA ranking, Ayles said.
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