BRUSSELS: Former top-ranked player Justine Henin will announce her return to competitive tennis, according to two top Belgian newspapers.

La Derniere Heure and Le Soir reported the comeback on Monday. Her spokeswoman did not return phone calls and Henin’s Web site had no comment on the rumors.

Last year, Henin shocked the tennis world by announcing her retirement while still ranked No 1. As recently as May, she complained that the sport had left her with so many physical ailments that a return was unthinkable. Henin, a goodwill ambassador for UNICEF, has begun training again, but has refused to comment on plans for a possible return over the past month.

At 27, it would certainly not be too late for a comeback, as compatriot Kim Clijsters proved when she won the US Open earlier this month. Having played barely a month on the tour after 2 1/2 years in retirement, Clijsters won the last Grand Slam of the season, beating both Venus and Serena Williams on the way to the final.

After Clijsters’ victory, Henin praised her performance on her Web site. “What you have come to achieve there is incredible,” wrote Henin. “I very warmly congratulate you on your magnificent win.”