Former world number one Justine Henin has announced she will return to professional tennis in 2010.
Henin, who retired in May 2008 at the age of 25 saying she no longer had any passion for the game, plans to play exhibition matches in Dubai and Belgium ahead of a full WTA Tour comeback at the start of next year.
The 27-year-old ended speculation by announcing her intention to return live on VTM television.
Her decision comes just over a week after fellow Belgian Kim Clijsters capped her own comeback from retirement with victory at the US Open.
Henin has seven Grand Slam titles in a total of 41 career victories and was credited with the best backhand in the women’s game prior to her shock decision to call it quits.
She has won the French Open four times, the US Open twice, the Australian Open once and an Olympic gold in 2004, leaving Wimbledon as the only major tournament to have eluded her.
