Former world number one Justine Henin (9/2 Australian Open outright prices) will warm up in Charleroi and Dubai later this year before launching her big comeback at the Brisbane International in January.

The seven-time grand slam champion has said she hopes to make the same impact as countrywoman Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open this year in only her third tournament back since ending her own exile from the sport, when she plays in her first competitive event since retiring in May last year.

The 27-year-old Belgian believes the Brisbane International will give the competitive edge she craves before attempting to shake up the top order of the women’s game at the Australian Open, although the betting (Serena Williams 11/4, Kim Clijsters 4/1, Venus Williams 4/1 tournament betting) would suggest she has work to do.

She said: “It will be great to get back to playing competitive tennis again and with the strong field, the same court surface and a similar climate to Melbourne, it will be the perfect preparation leading into the Australian Open.”

Defending champion Serena Williams will be anxious to retain her trophy, while 2004 finalist Clijsters and 2003 finalist Venus Williams will be keen to kick-start 2010 with victory Down Under.