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Rested Clijsters ready for Fed Cup tie against Austria

BREE, Belgium (Reuters) -- A refreshed Kim Clijsters will begin Belgium's bid for a second Fed Cup title when she takes on Evelyn Fauth of Austria in the opening match of their first-round tie in her home town of Bree on Saturday.

Winners in 2001 but only quarterfinalists last year, Belgium has named a full strength team with world No. 4 Justine Henin-Hardenne drawn to face Patricia Wartusch in the second singles.

After a hectic start to the year in which she won two titles, world No. 2 Clijsters complained of tiredness at the Miami event at the end of March and has not played since.

A few weeks rest appears to have done her good and she also has the benefit of having her family home just a few minutes away from the venue.

"I think after the long start to the year I felt like I needed a break," Clijsters said. "I needed to rest if I was to be ready for the Fed Cup and the rest of the claycourt season."

"Now I feel much better. This has been the longest break I've had -- I did lots of shopping, spending time with my family and friends. It is great to be at home and I think we're going to have a great crowd on our side this weekend."

Henin-Hardenne goes into the Austria match in top form with two titles under her belt and still buoyed by her win over world number one Serena Williams in the final at Charleston just a fortnight ago.

"I think the win over Serena was very good for my confidence," she said. "I feel really good now, am confident of my game and happy to be back in Belgium for a while after a long time in the States."

"I worked really hard in Florida in December, and I think I'm stronger physically than I was last year."

Belgium will start overwhelming favourites against an Austria team lacking the out-of-form Barbara Schett, but Henin-Hardenne said the home side would not be taking anything for granted.

"We have to be focused because if you think the other team or player does not have a great chance then you can lose your concentration and anything can happen," she added.

Wartusch, part of the Austria team which reached the semifinals last year, was under no illusions as to the magnitude of her country's task.

"Of course it's going to be tough against the numbers two and four in the world," she said. "But I see it as a big challenge. "We have been practising well, and we have nothing to lose. I will just play my game and who knows, anything can happen."

Fauth said she was looking forward to the daunting task of playing Clijsters in the first match.

"I hope I can enjoy it -- yes it will be tough, but I will just play my best."

The first match is due to begin at 1215 GMT, with the second singles to follow.

The reverse singles and the doubles are scheduled for Sunday.

 

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