Henin and Williams head impressive field

Reigning Australian Open champion Serena Williams and Belgian champion Justine Henin head an impressive list of tennis talent for the mixed teams Hopman Cup next January.

Tournament director Paul McNamee yesterday confirmed the first five teams for the unique eight-nation event starting on January 1 with a field that looks set to be best ever to contest the 22-year-old tournament.

Joining Williams and Henin will be Serbia’s men’s world No.2 Novak Djokovic, who will be joined by countrywoman Ana Ivanovic, and dual grand slam champion Lleyton Hewitt.

Frenchman Gael Monfils, ranked 17th in the world, is also among the nine players already confirmed.

It will be Henin’s first appearance in Perth and comes just under 12 months after she stunned the tennis world by reaching the final of the Australian Open in her comeback to Grand Slam tennis.

Williams will be making her third appearance, having won the event on both her previous visits.

McNamee said he was thrilled with the initial signings.

“It’s a spectacular line-up,” he said.

“There is potential for some really great match-ups.”