Tennis: Henin-Hardenne recovering from virus

Justine Henin-Hardenne is emerging from months of struggle against a debilitating virus.

"Her health is going in the right direction, Justine is feeling much better," her coach Carlos Rodriguez said yesterday.

"She has fewer problems focusing on things and her moments of weakness are disappearing. These are encouraging signs. We see light at the end of the tunnel, but with this virus, we still can't be certain.

"We are hoping she will have recovered before the Olympic Games next month."

Rodriguez said changes had been made to the Belgian world No 1's physical training schedule.

"Her blood gets examined on a regular base to keep up with the evolution of the virus, but what's most important is knowing how she's feeling," he said. "Her level of play is good."

Henin-Hardenne, 22, lost in the second round of this year's French Open and was forced to pull out of Wimbledon last month.