Former champion Justine Henin has been given a wildcard into the 2010 Australian Open.

Henin will begin her comeback at the start of the new year with probably one warm-up tournament, the Brisbane International before the Australian Open starts on 18th January.

Tournament director Craig Tiley said, “I spoke to Justine's team over the weekend and was happy to grant her request for a wildcard into the Australian Open. Justine is the ultimate competitor, the winner of seven Grand Slam titles, and we are looking forward to welcoming her back to the Australian Open.“

“I know Justine will not have made the decision to come out of retirement lightly and have no doubt she will be in great shape and prepared to compete against the world's best."

Henin beat Kim Clijsters to win in 2004. Her last appearance was in 2008 where she was outplayed in the quarter-finals by a rampant Maria Sharapova on her way to the title.