Tennis: Henin rejects ASB Classic invite

The court, rather than the cash, appears the main reason behind Justine Henin's decision not to play in January's ASB Classic.

The former world No 1 has instead opted to play in the Brisbane International, alongside compatriot Kim Clijsters, in her first tournament since retiring in May 2008.

ASB Classic tournament director Brenda Perry is gutted by the news.

"She has decided that her return to the tour will not happen here, so yeah, you have to say that's disappointing news for us of course - we were very hopeful," Perry said.

Perry believes Auckland's court surface, which is different to the one used at the Australian Open, was a major factor in the decision.

"But we also knew that her decision was going to about where she felt was in her best interest for her preparation for the Australian Open."

Perry will now switch her focus to securing a couple of top 20 ranked players.

- NEWSTALK ZB