Henin and Serena set for showdown

Published: 7:01PM Saturday January 09, 2010 Source: AAP

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World No.1 Serena Williams is set to face comeback queen Justine Henin in a blockbuster second-round clash at next week's Sydney International.

Tournament officials couldn't believe their luck when the two superstars, who boast 17 grand slam titles between them, were pitted in the same eight of the draw on Saturday.

Top seed Williams has a first-round bye and, provided wildcard Henin beats Spanish left-hander Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez, the event's two biggest drawcards will go head to head in round two.

After 19 months in retirement, Henin this week made an immediate impact in her return to professional tennis, storming to the final of the Brisbane International.

The Belgian was due to face compatriot Kim Clijsters for the title on Saturday night.

Samantha Stosur also received a tough draw, striking Flavia Pennetta, an Italian ranked one place above the Australian at No. 12 in the world.

With nine of the top 10 women's players completing their Australian Open preparations in Sydney, Australian wildcard Casey Dellacqua could count her lucky stars after drawing a qualifier first-up.

Bidding for a record fifth men's title in Sydney, fourth-seeded Lleyton Hewitt will enjoy a first round bye but is projected to run into former Australian Open runner-up Marcos Baghdatis in the quarter-finals.

The unseeded Baghdatis launches his campaign against Australian Open wildcard play-off winner Nick Lindahl.

Peter Luczak will take on Argentine Jose Acasuso, while fellow Australian wildcard Carsten Ball faces American Mardy Fish.

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