Justine Henin, who is coming into the French Open off a recent virus, told reporters ahead of the tournament that she has recovered physically but may be a little short on practice.
"I feel a lot better. It's true that about 10 days ago, event a week ago, I was not at the top, but only able to start practising last weekend. So it's less than a week," she said. "But now I feel better and better. The energy is coming back, the stamina. Of course, I need to take care of myself, because I was a bit weakened by this, but now I'm ready for this tournament."
Henin is also managing a broken finger on her non-playing hand. "Still two or three more weeks with the splint," she said. "I hope it's going to be okay. It's less painful now. I can deal with it.I'm used to playing with it now."
Nevertheless, four-time French Open champ Henin is anticipating her return to the tournament after two years following her sudden retirement in May 2008. "It's a strange feeling, but it's very good. I mean, when we were driving last night to Paris, and then this morning to the site with my tennis bag, it's just great," she said.
"I don't come to the French Open as I would come to any other tournament. It's always very special for me. I won four times here. I won the juniors, too. Also I feel at home here because the French crowd alway welcomed me incredible well, and many Belgian people come because it's close."