Emotional Henin glad to be back in Paris

Justine Henin, who has been through hard times lately, said she was delighted to be back in Paris where she will chase a third consecutive crown at the French Open starting today.

"It's good to be back," said the world number one, who has had to fight personal turmoil with a split from husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne and a subsequent withdrawal from the Australian Open in January.

"This is my favourite tournament," added the Belgian, who will turn 25 during the French Open.

"It's a long and beautiful story between me and Roland Garros."

Henin, who burst into the limelight by winning on the Paris clay in 2003 and triumphed again in 2005 and 2006, is chasing a hat-trick of titles, a feat only Monica Seles, with consecutive wins from 1990 to 1992, has achieved since the start of the professional era.

Henin will meet Russia's Elena Vesnina in the first round and in the quarter-finals could face Serena Williams, an opponent she beat after an epic battle in the semi-finals in 2003.

"That match was one of the highlights of my career," said Henin.