Justine Henin (6/4 favourite Women’s French Open 2010) will begin her recovery from her defeat to Serena Williams in the Australian Open final at next month’s BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells.

Former world number one Henin (9/2 Women’s Wimbledon 2010 – Outright) was denied a fairytale comeback in only her second tournament back since stepping out of retirement when she lost to big-hitting defending champion Williams at Melbourne Park.

However, the Belgian, winner of the event in California in 2004, will join fellow former champions Maria Sharapova, Ana Ivanovic, Vera Zvonareva and two-time winners Kim Clijsters and Daniela Hantuchova in the draw for the March 8-21 tournament in the United States.

The wild-card told the tournament’s official website: “I am very happy that the BNP Paribas Open has granted me a wild-card, and I look forward to returning to Indian Wells.

“I am excited to be back on Tour, and hope to continue the success I have had thus far in 2010. The fan support has been incredible, and I hope that I am able to claim my first title of the season at the BNP Paribas Open in March.”