Wildcard for former champion Henin

Monday, 12, Oct 2009 01:28

By Michael Younger.

Former champion Justine Henin has been granted a wildcard for next year's Australian Open.

The 27-year-old Belgian, announced earlier this year that she would come out of retirement in 2010 after less than two years away, and the former champion has been handed a wildcard for the event she won in Melbourne in 2004.

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley had little hesitation in handing the 27-year-old one of 12 available wildcards into the first Grand Slam event of 2010.

"I spoke to Justine's team over the weekend and was happy to grant her request for a wildcard," he said.

"Justine is the ultimate competitor, the winner of seven Grand Slam titles, and we are looking forward to welcoming her back."

The former world number one, won a total of 41 WTA Tour titles walked away from tennis in May 2008 despite still topping the rankings, citing a succession of injuries and a desire to live life away from the game.

Henin is expected to play her first comeback game at the Brisbane International, where fellow Belgian star Kim Clijsters will start her 2010 season.

Her coach Carlos Rodriguez told Belgian media on last week that Justine was negotiating with organizers in Brisbane and Auckland to play the events before the Australian Open on January 18th.

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