Henin eyes shock Australian Open win

Belgium's Justine Henin Tuesday warned a shock Australian Open win was "possible" after her brief retirement, and said she would be a better player when she returns to the circuit next week.

Henin said a more mature, relaxed outlook would help her improve on the performances that took her to women's number one before her surprise decision to retire in May 2008.

"I believe I can be a better player, I believe I can use my experience more than in the past," she said. "When you are (playing at) 200 percent you have no time to realise it.

"You are too involved all the time, and all this time off helped me to realise everything I achieved. What I can say is I know myself much better and that's the most important thing."

Henin, 27, announced her return to the circuit in September, shortly after compatriot Kim Clijsters won the US Open following a similar comeback.

Henin will play her first WTA event at next week's Brisbane International and will also play in Sydney before the Australian Open, which starts on January 18.

Asked if she could pull off victory in Melbourne, she replied, "Anything is possible."

Henin has won a total of 41 WTA Tour titles and held the number one spot for a total of 117 weeks.

SYDNEY, AFP