Henin striving for top gear

Justine Henin
12 April 2012

Justine Henin hopes her three-set victory over Sania Mirza will give her the rhythm she requires to launch a bid to claim the Australian Open title.

The 11th-seeded Belgian, playing her first tour match since losing to countrywoman Kim Clijsters in the last 16 at Wimbledon last year due to an elbow injury, overcame Mirza 5-7 6-3 6-1 to set up a second-round clash with Britain's Elena Baltacha.

"I think I need this kind of match to really get into the tournament like I want to be and at my best level," said Henin. "Of course I have the experience but I need matches, I need rhythm and I need fight. I remain confident, not only about this tournament but also the future."

World number one Caroline Wozniacki survived a tricky opening assignment as she overcame Gisela Dulko 6-3 6-4 on Rod Laver Arena.

"Gisela is a tough opponent, especially in the first round. She changes the rhythm quite a bit so it's tough to get there and play your own game," said Wozniacki afterwards. "I'm really happy to be through to the next round. I'm feeling in good shape and looking forward to play the next one."

Wozniacki, who is chasing her first grand slam title, followed three-time major winner Maria Sharapova on to court, the Russian opening proceedings with a straightforward victory over Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn.

Sharapova, seeded 14, won 6-1 6-3 but looked edgy early on, something she attributed to a surprise loss to Maria Kirilenko at the same stage 12 months ago.

"I was definitely a little bit nervous in the beginning. Last year I played first match on centre and lost, so I didn't want that to happen again this year," said Sharapova. "The first game definitely wasn't great and I didn't serve good at all during the match. But she was close to being 4-1 in the second set, and I was able to win 6-1 6-3 - that's the positive in my game."

Venus Williams had little trouble in beating Sara Errani 6-3 6-2 and Yanina Wickmayer edged out home hope Jarmila Groth 6-2 2-6 6-4.

Two other contenders advanced early on day one, albeit in contrasting ways. French Open champion Francesca Schiavone was made to struggle by Arantxa Parra Santonja before advancing 6-7 (4/7) 6-2 6-4, while Li Na, a semi-finalist last year, beat Sofia Arvidsson 6-1 7-5.

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