Justine Henin plays Ana Ivanovic in a keenly awaited Hopman Cup clash on Thursday.
When the Hopman Cup draw was released, this was the Group A match-up which left the fans salivating in anticipation. The two former world number ones going head-to-head, both on the comeback trail - Henin from injury and Ivanovic from several years worth of self-doubt.
Both players have eased through their matches to date without dropping a set. Ivanovic put in a particularly impressive display against Australia, thumping Alicia Molik 6-4, 6-0 and she's continued from where she left off at the end of 2010. Henin has been trying to play down the expectations and she's been moving steadily through the gears, doing just enough to win each match. The Belgian is enjoying her experience of the Hopman Cup and the more relaxed environment of a team event compared to the intense atmosphere of most WTA tournaments.
"It’s just great to have the opportunity to play a few matches here in Perth and be in competition again and get this feeling of tightness when the score's getting tight. I feel very happy to be back and my first time here in Perth is a great experience," she said.
On past history, Ivanovic appears to have little chance. Henin has won all five of their previous matches and won 6-3, 6-2 on her return in Brisbane last year. Ivanovic has looked the most impressive of the two so far this week but then again Henin has not been tested. This will provide a good indication of where she's at ahead of the Australian Open.
