The world's top female tennis player Justine Henin will headline the women's draw at the Medibank International in Sydney this summer.
The Belgian confirmed she will play the Sydney tournament after completing the most brilliant season of her stellar career.
Henin finished 2007 with ten career titles, including the grand slam double of the US Open and French Open, but the year started with the disappointment of missing the Australian circuit due to personal reasons and Henin will travel to Sydney in January with revenge on her mind.
"I am very excited to be returning to Sydney.
As everyone knows the start of 2007 was a very difficult time for me personally and I really missed playing the Australian circuit, but this will make me even more eager to do well in January,” Henin said.
“I was sad I wasn't in Australia this year and I hope to take my revenge in a few weeks.”
The Medibank International has been a happy hunting ground for Henin and she will be aiming to win her 40th career title at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre this summer.
"I love playing the event in Sydney,” Henin said. “It is a unique setting having hosted the Olympics in 2000 and the facilities are first class. Everyone does an incredible job of looking after the players and for me personally it's the ideal preparation for the Australian Open.”
Henin won the Medibank International in 2006 and also in 2004 when she went on to claim her first, and only, Australian Open crown.
"I always seem to do well there and this helps me in Melbourne too,” said Henin. “Hopefully my good luck will continue there in 2008.”
Medibank International Tournament Director Craig Watson said Justine Henin is a crowd favourite in Sydney and sure to turn on a show for her supporters this January.
In 2007, the Medibank International attracted 26 of the world's top 30 women and the field is expected to be equally strong this summer.
"The Medibank International title is one of the most coveted on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and I expect Justine Henin, as the world's number one, will headline a field that includes most of the world's top 30 women,” Mr Watson said.
