ITS ALL ABOUT SPORTS

SYDNEY: Former world number one Justine Henin has been granted a wildcard to play in the 2010 Australian Open in her return to tennis, organisers said on Monday.

The 27-year-old Belgian announced last month that she was ending her self-imposed retirement to come back to the women’s tennis circuit.

Her coach, Carlos Rodriguez, said last week that Henin was likely to make her return in the Brisbane International, starting on January 3, ahead of the January 18-31 Australian Open in Melbourne.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said. “Justine is the ultimate competitor and we are looking forward to welcoming her back to the Australian Open.”