SYDNEY - Former world tennis No 1 Justine Henin has welcomed the opportunity to test her comeback against the world's best players after being granted a wildcard entry into next month's Sydney International.
Seven-time grand slam champion Henin will continue her return from retirement at Sydney Olympic Park the weekafter playing her first tour event in more than 18 months at the Brisbane International.
But she will have her work cut out in a field featuring nine of the world's top 10 players, all gearing up for the Australian Open the following week.
"I have a lot of happy memories of Sydney and have won the title three times, so I am looking forward to returning in January as part of my preparation for the Australian Open," the Belgian said.
"The women's draw is very impressive and it will be great to get some tough, competitive matches at the Medibank International Sydney before heading to Melbourne."
The 27-year-old won the event in 2004, 2006 and 2008.
Before announcing her retirement from tennis in May 2008, Henin had amassed 41 WTA tour career titles and more than US$19 million ($26 million) in prize money.
Henin was the world No 1 for 117 non-consecutive weeks and won four French Open titles, in 2003, 2005, 2006 and 2007, one Australian Open title in 2004 and two US Open titles in 2003 and 2007.
