Henin returns,with a win

Belgiums Justine Henin made a triumphant return to professional tennis with a 7-5 7-5 win over Russias Nadia Petrova in the first round of the Brisbane International on Monday. Playing her first official match in 20 months,the 27-year-old Henin showed she had lost none of her fighting qualities as she ground out a hard-fought victory.

Henin had quit tennis in May 2008 ranked world number one,but announced last year she was making a comeback. She had been training for five months in preparation for the Australian Open,starting January 18,and sent an ominous warning that she is serious about getting back to the top. I have been waiting for this moment for so long. I am so happy about what I did on the court, she told reporters. Its only the beginning and I feel better today than I did when I retired,both emotionally and mentally.

Meanwhile,Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova have welcomed Justine Henins return to tennis,saying the seven-time Grand Slam winner is still capable of competing at the highest level. In Hong Kong for an exhibition tournament ahead of the Australian Open,Williams and Sharapova predicted Henin will once again be a force on the tour. Obviously,she was a great champion before, said Williams. She can keep on playing great tennis.