Henin wins on Australia return

(GETTY IMAGES)

Justine Henin made a winning return to the Australian Open with a 6-4 6-3 first-round victory over Kirsten Flipkens today.

Henin is playing just her second tournament after ending 20 months in retirement and, after being handed a wildcard entry, showed why she will be feared by the seeds.

The 27-year-old twice broke her fellow Belgian in each set with her feared backhand finding its mark on several occasions.

Henin's victory sets up the possibility of an intriguing second-round match against fifth seed Elena Dementieva, who will play Vera Dushevina later tonight.

Seven-time grand slam winner Henin showed she has lost little of her class when she reached the final of the Brisbane International a fortnight ago, when she lost to her fellow returnee and compatriot Kim Clijsters.

Dementieva is also in good form, however, after she defeated reigning Australian Open champion Serena Williams to win the Sydney International last week.