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Henin admits fitness concerns

Justine Henin has not played since losing to Kim Clijsters at Wimbledon © Getty Images

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Justine Henin makes her long-awaited comeback on Saturday but the former world No. 1 admits she is not fully fit and it may be months before she is back to her best.

The Belgian star was forced to cut short her 2010 itinerary after picking up a serious elbow injury at Wimbledon but she will return to action at the forthcoming Hopman Cup in Australia.

However, despite working tirelessly to ensure the injury is sufficiently healed, the seven-time grand slam winner accepts she will have to give it time and remain patient.

"It is six months since the injury and I can't say I am 100 per cent," Henin told Sky Sports. "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 28-year-old took nearly two years out of the game before losing to Serena Williams in the final of the Australian Open 11 months ago - a feat that she doesn't expect to repeat in January.

"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.

"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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.