Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Henin to return, Belgian media reports say

BRUSSELS (AP) -Former top-ranked player Justine Henin will announce her comeback to competitive tennis on Tuesday according to two top Belgian newspapers.

"Justine Henin's Yes" read the headline on La Derniere Heure's Web site late Monday, while Le Soir said "Henin should announce her return."

Her spokeswoman did not return phone calls and Henin's own Web site had no comment on the rumors.


Last year, Henin shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement while still ranked No. 1.

As recently as May, she complained that the sport had left her with so many physical ailments a return was unthinkable.

Over the past month Henin, a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, has refused to comment on plans for a possible return but has begun training again

At 27, it would certainly not be too late for a comeback as compatriot Kim Clijsters proved when she won the U.S. Open earlier this month.

Having played barely a month on the tour after 2 1/2 years in retirement, Clijsters won the last Grand Slam of the season, beating both Venus and Serena Williams on the way to the final.

After Clijsters' victory, Henin praised her performance on her Web site.

"What you have come to achieve there is incredible," wrote Henin. "I very warmly congratulate you on your magnificent victory."



Henin leaves tennis return question openFigo not planning return