Australian Open Betting: Never rule out Justine

Players Under the Microscope / Guy McCrea / 06 January 2011 / Leave a Comment

Justine in relaxed mode at the Hopman Cup but will she still be smiling at the end of 2011?

"At one point, Henin feared that her elbow injury would be career threatening. Not so now, but Henin admits it still hasn’t completely healed and she may be a few months away from full fitness. Not exactly encouraging - especially when Henin has also dismissed her chances of being a contender to win a second Australian Open title this month."

Justine Henin's 2010 return was cut short by injury. But the former world number one is now back again ahead of the Australian Open. Guy McCrea assesses her chances ...

Disappointing. Not a word I ever thought I'd associate with Justine Henin. But to some extent, it's the best way to summarise the former world number one's 2010 comeback. After eighteen months retired from the sport, the first year of Henin's 'second career' started well enough, as she was edged out by Belgian compatriot Kim Clijsters in Brisbane. As a wildcard, Henin then made a thrilling run to the Australian Open final where she lost out to Serena Williams.

From there, things became more inconsistent. The first WTA Tour titles of her return (in Stuttgart and Rosmalen), plus a semi-final in Miami, were mixed up with early exits in Dubai, Indian Wells and Madrid. More importantly, Henin (currently priced around [8.6] on Betfair to win the 2011 Australian Open) suffered defeat at Roland Garros for the first time since 2004 - beaten in the fourth round by Sam Stosur ([16.0] to triumph in Melbourne.) Henin also disappointed at Wimbledon and made another last sixteen exit at the hands of Clijsters ([3.65] favourite to win.) The pain of that defeat went deeper though, as Henin tore ligaments in her right elbow during the match. A few weeks later, the Belgian revealed the injury would keep her out for the rest of 2010.

Now, most players would still consider that a successful (half) season. After all, Henin did end the year ranked 12 in the world! But those exits at Roland Garros and Wimbledon provide the lasting impressions of Henin's 2010. Perhaps the SW19 defeat most of all - because Henin had publicly made winning an elusive Wimbledon crown to be the goal of her comeback. As such, it was a case of great expectations unfulfilled - for 2010 at least.

At one point, Henin feared that her elbow injury would be career threatening. Not so now, but Henin admits it still hasn't completely healed and she may be a few months away from full fitness. Not exactly encouraging - especially when Henin has also dismissed her chances of being a contender to win a second Australian Open title this month.

Nevertheless, Henin has returned from injury at this week's Hopman Cup in Perth - a non-ranking mixed-teams event. It's dangerous to read too much into these exhibition skirmishes. But I have been impressed with Henin so far in her matches at the Burswood Dome. Against both Alicia Molik and Sesil Karatantcheva, she looked in terrific shape even if - understandably - not yet back to her majestic best.

There is also evidence of improvements in her game. Firstly, Henin's serve - which misfired horribly at times last season. Her coach Carlos Rodriguez obviously felt the need to tinker with what had been an efficient weapon, particularly during Henin's superb 2007 campaign. But the outcome was a less fluid delivery (notably during her Roland Garros debacle to Stosur) which put too much stress on her forearm. The difference now is a higher ball toss, which should hold up better technically during matches and be easier on her elbow.

The other change I've noticed is an improvement in Henin's volleying technique. Presumably inspired by that clearly stated goal of winning Wimbledon, Henin employed more of a net game than ever before during the early months of last season. The thing is, it produced mediocre results and most importantly - Henin was visibly uncomfortable doing it. Rushing the tape just didn't come naturally to a lady who claimed seven Grand Slam singles crowns from the backcourt.

I don't know what Rodriguez has done - but Henin already looks more assured at the net than last season. In an age of mainly baseline bashers on the WTA Tour, this variety is a welcome sight and should hopefully help Henin not just on faster hardcourts, but also on the lawns of the All England Club this summer.

Looking ahead to the first Grand Slam of 2011 later this month, it would be foolish to totally write off Henin's chances. After all, she's won the Australian Open before in 2004. Her run to last year's final - in what was just her second event back - proved she can go deep even without a great deal of court time. In addition, Henin will be seeded this time, which means she will get greater protection in the draw. Last year, the Belgian had to battle her way past both Elena Dementieva and Alisa Kleybanova (130.0 to win) in the first week alone.

So much will depend both on her fitness and how the draw exactly pans out. But whatever she says, don't count Henin out, especially as with Serena missing - this is the most open women's major tournament of recent times.