Champion Henin in best form of her life

Defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne says she has played the best tennis of her life in the run-up to the French Open starting today.

Henin-Hardenne lost in the Berlin final 4-6 6-4 7-5 to Russian Nadia Petrova but the defeat proved to the Belgian she could repeat her Paris triumph.

"In Berlin, except for the last two sets, I played the best tennis of my career," the Belgian said.

Henin-Hardenne, who thrashed world number one Amelie Mauresmo 6-1 6-2 in the semi-final in the German capital, says she is fully fit.

She pulled out of the Australian Open final against Mauresmo because of an upset stomach and has suffered a number of injuries over the past two years.

"I'm as well prepared as I was last year, although I played fewer matches on clay than last season," Henin-Hardenne said.

"I'm coming here in good condition. "I said I wanted a sort of consistent season without injuries, no ups and downs. But now maybe I'm changing a little bit - I want strong moments."

Henin-Hardenne takes on Estonian Maret Ani in the first round.