Henin ready to kick-start season

Henin says she wants to concentrate on tennis after her marriage split

Justine Henin says she hopes this week's Paris Open will mark the start of a successful season after splitting from husband Pierre-Yves Hardenne.

Henin, 24, has not played competitively since beating Amelie Mauresmo in last year's season-ending Tour championship in Madrid.

"I have had very painful times and today I want to speak about tennis," Belgian Henin said on Monday.

"I want these things to remain my little secret."

Among the winners on the opening day was former champion and seventh seed Dinara Safina, who beat Michaella Krajicek 6-4 7-5.

Henin, who will face France's Emilie Loit when she enters the tournament in the second round, revealed that she decided on her comeback two weeks ago.

I just could not stay away from the courts any longer Justine Henin

"It was during the Australian Open. I had been working hard and I told myself I would not be able to wait until the Dubai championships later in the month" the world number two said.

"It is because I love tennis so much. I just could not stay away from the courts any longer."

The French Open champion, who reached all four grand slam finals last season, said she planned to take the Paris Open step by step after injuries and illness hampered her preparation for the tournament.

"I still feel pain in my right knee and I had to stay in bed because of gastroenteritis last week," said Henin.

Meanwhile, Russian world number eight Elena Dementieva has pulled out the tournament because of a groin strain.

Dementieva's withdrawal follows that of Kim Clijsters, who pulled out of the event last Wednesday with a hip injury.