TENNIS/News: The World number one Justine Henin-Hardenne will defend her French Open crown after recovering from a viral infection.
"I have recovered from the viral illness I contracted earlier this year and am feeling well again," she said in Brussels yesterday. "I have been practising regularly and even though I do not feel 100 per cent, I feel I am in a good enough shape to go to Paris."
Henin-Hardenne, who beat compatriot Kim Clijsters to win her first grand slam title in Roland Garros last June, had been doubtful for the tournament which starts on Monday after falling ill last month. Doctors treating Henin-Hardenne had ordered her to rest until the beginning of May.
The 21-year-old won the Australian Open and three other titles this season before being forced out of action in April.
In her only claycourt tournament this season, she reached the semi-finals in Amelia Islandm where she was beaten by French woman Amelie Mauresmo.
"My build-up to Paris has not been perfect since I had to stop for several weeks and have played only four matches on clay this year," Henin-Hardenne said. "It was really difficult for me to be told by the doctors to stop playing for such a long time.
"For several weeks, I was really unsure whether I could go to Paris and participate in my favourite event . . . but after two weeks of practice, I have decided to go for it.
"I'm feeling about 80 per cent but I am also feeling better each day and I am sure I will have great fun defending my title."
n Greg Rusedski's first match on the ATP tour since clearing his name of a doping offence ended in disappointment. The British number two crashed to a 6-2, 7-6, (7-1) defeat against Jurgen Melzer in his first-round match at the Raiffeisen Grand Prix in Austria yesterday.
Home favourite Melzer looked set to win the battle of the two left-handers convincingly after taking the first set, but the 22-year-old was made to work harder by Rusedski before closing out the match on a second-set tie-break.
Rusedski tested positive for the anabolic steroid nandrolone last summer, but he was cleared in March of wilfully using an illegal substance and was allowed to continue his tennis career. His prospects of making an impact at the French Open look slim.
