TENNIS in DEPTH.

Henin  showed she is already in good shape with a 6-4 6-4 victory over world number 12 Flavia Pennetta in an exhibition in Charleroi on Sunday.

The 27-year-old, though, insisted she has no expectations for Melbourne, telling www.nieuwsblad.be: “My game is still a work in progress. Perhaps Australia will also be premature.

“I don’t want anything from Australia in terms of results. I want to enjoy it – the reunion with the circuit, the other girls, the adrenaline. I hope I can show on the court what I learned in training. But I do not expect results.”

Regarding her feelings about being back on the court again, Henin continued: “This is very emotional. I had three nights with tears in my eyes trying to sleep. That is my greatest satisfaction after this weekend: I have managed to control my emotions.”

The four-time French Open champion was known for her serious attitude during her first stint on tour, in contrast to the more fun-loving Clijsters.

But Henin has promised to show a different side to her character this time, saying: “I have nothing to prove to other people, only to myself. I want to prove that I am calmer and more mature now. I also want it to be different to my first career.

“I want much more emphasis on human relationships. In my first career, I didn’t realise what sport can mean to the people. Now I understand better.

“My big problem is that I am basically shy. When the spotlight is on me, I crawl into my shell, instead of showing that I can be funny or fun. I’m trying that now. It’s my job.”

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