Former world No. 1 Justine Henin announced her comeback to professional tennis Tuesday, two years less after retiring.

"I think it is a good choice, a big decision in my life," said the Belgian via VTM television.

"The past 15 months I have been able to recharge my physical batteries, mental batteries (and) emotional batteries," said Henin.

The 27-year-old had won Grand Slam events for seven times, including the French Open four times, the U.S. Open twice, the Australian Open once and Olympic gold in 2004 but failed to win Wimbledon.

She retired in May 2008 at the age of 25.

"The aim is to return (to the tour) in January in Australia. In any case it will be during the 2010 season," Henin said Tuesday while announcing her comeback.

She added that she was inspired by the spectacular comeback of compatriot Kim Clijsters, who won the U.S. Open this month after only a few weeks back on the professional circuit.

Henin had been scheduled to play exhibition tournaments in Dubai and Belgium in November and December.

(Xinhua News Agency September 24, 2009)