Brisbane International: Justine Henin wins first match since retirement

Former world number one Justine Henin recorded her first official tour match win since retirement on Monday after beating second seed Nadia Petrova of Russia 75 75 in the first round of competitions at the Brisbane International, a $220,000 WTA tour event.

“I feel better today than when I retired, that’s for sure. Better emotionally, mentally, better with myself and that makes a big difference that I will enjoy being on the tour again,” Henin said after the win.

The seven-time Grand Slam winner retired from professional tennis in May 2008 but announced in September last year that she’ll be making a full comeback.
Henin has participated in a couple of exhibition matches late last year and won, including one over Petrova in Cairo, Egypt.

“Mentally, I was able to play my best when the score was tight at the end of both sets. I really enjoyed being out there—that’s what I’m going to remember today,” she said.

The Belgian is slated to play in Sydney next week as part of per preparations for the Australian Open which takes place two weeks from now.

She will face qualifier Sesil Karatantcheva of Kazakhstan in the second round.

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