Justine Henin makes her return at the Hopman Cup next week but says she will not return to peak physical condition for six months.
Henin returned to competitive tennis this time last year, making an immediate impact with her run to the Australian Open final. However her season was ended prematurely when she ruptured an elbow ligament during her fourth round Wimbledon defeat to Kim Clijsters in June.
"I started the season pretty well but then physically it has been pretty difficult. It hasn't been an easy comeback and a serious injury like that just six months after I came back was the worst for me,” Henin said.
"There were concerns about the future of my career. I hope I can build my condition by playing tournaments this year and hope to be really ready around June-July.”
The 2011 Australian Open is wide open with Serena Williams absent and the world's top two players (Caroline Wozniacki and Vera Zvonareva), both yet to win a slam. However Henin is reluctant to put herself in the picture as one of the favourites.
The Hopman Cup will provide an interesting gauge of her form. This year's field is super-strong and she will face stiff competition from the likes of Ana Ivanovic and French Open champion Francesca Schiavone.
