 Henin-Hardenne could finish the year as world number one |
Justine Henin-Hardenne will make her comeback after a knee injury in next week's season-ending WTA Championships in Madrid. The world number three has been out of action since Belgium's Fed Cup final against Italy in September.
World number one Amelie Mauresmo will defend her title in Spain after shaking off a shoulder injury.
The Frenchwoman, 27, was forced to pull out of the Zurich Open last month with an inflamed shoulder.
"I resumed playing on Monday and physically I feel fine," said Mauresmo ahead of the event in Madrid which features the world's top eight.
"I'm short of practice and I'm not sure I'll be able to serve at 100% but I'll be fresher than the other girls."
Mauresmo could yet lose the end-of-season number one spot despite winning her first two grand slam titles at the Australian Open and Wimbledon.
She has been hampered by injuries over the last few weeks and could be overtaken by either Maria Sharapova or Justine Henin-Hardenne.
"I've got a tiny chance," Mauresmo said. "That would be the icing on the cake after a great year but I'm not counting on it too much."
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