Justine Henin has admitted that it could be 'maybe months' before she is back to her best following a serious elbow injury.
Belgian set to return after serious elbow injury
Justine Henin has admitted that it could be 'maybe months' before she is back to her best following a serious elbow injury.
The former world number one was forced to cut short her 2010 campaign after Wimbledon, but returns to action in the Hopman Cup in Perth on Saturday despite being less than fully fit.
"It is six months since the injury and I can't say I am 100 per cent," Henin said. "I am working very hard on it and I spend two hours every day on my rehabilitation.
"When we heard about the serious injury there were concerns about the future of my career as it was pretty serious.
"Now step by step I can improve, but it will probably take a few more weeks and maybe months before I can be 100 per cent."
The Belgian emerged from almost two years out of the game to reach the final of the Australian Open 11 months ago, but tempered suggestions she could repeat the performance next month.
"I am realistic, it is my comeback, it has been a difficult year," she said. "I started the season pretty well, but then physically it has been pretty difficult.
"It hasn't been an easy comeback and a serious injury like that just six months after I came back was the worst for me.
"(Defending champion) Serena (Williams) is not going to be there so it is going to be wide open, but I don't consider myself one of the biggest favourites.
"I hope I can build my condition this year by playing tournaments, and to be really ready around June-July would be great for me."
