Henin given wildcard for Australian Open

Justine Henin returns after 18 months out of the game (GETTY IMAGES)

Former champion Justine Henin, who said last month she was making a return to top-level tennis, has been granted a wildcard for the 2010 Australian Open, organisers said today.

"I spoke to Justine's team over the weekend and was happy to grant her request for a wildcard into the Australian Open," tournament director Craig Tiley said in a statement.

"Justine is the ultimate competitor, the winner of seven grand slam titles, and we are looking forward to welcoming her back to the Australian Open."

The 27-year-old former world number one announced her comeback after 18 months out of the game, saying she had been inspired by fellow-Belgian Kim Clijsters's own stunning return after leaving the game to start a family.

Henin, the 2004 Australian Open champion, humbled a succession of bigger and stronger opponents in the women's game despite her waifish 1.67 metre frame, and won 41 titles before retiring in May 2008 at the peak of her success.