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Thursday October 22, 2009

Henin set for comeback at Brisbane meet

SYDNEY: 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 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 Jan 3-10 event.

“It will be tremendous to see Justine’s match up against her former rival and countrywoman Kim Clijsters,” said Ayles.

“With the former French Open champion Ana Ivanovic and Australian Open quarter-finalist Jelena Dokic confirmed, we are looking at an extremely strong women’s field.” — AFP

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