Melbourne - Comeback-bound Belgian Justine Henin on Monday was awarded a wild card start into January's Australian Open as she joins compatriot Kim Clijsters in reversing a recent retirement. "I spoke to Justine's team over the weekend and was happy to grant her request for a wild card," tournament director Craig Tiley said. "Justine is the ultimate competitor, the winner of seven Grand Slam titles."
Henin, 27, has confirmed that she is returning to the sport she left in May 2008, spurred on by the similar return of Clijsters, who won the US Open title a month ago.
Clijsters managed the feat after retiring in 2007 to get married and start a family.
Henin won the Australian Open in 2004 and played the 2006 final. The last appearance there for the winner of 41 career titles was a 2008 quarter-final.
