Henin splits from husband, sets return date

SINGAPORE, Jan 24 (Reuters) World number one Justine Henin-Hardenne is separating from her husband and plans to return to the women's tennis circuit.

Three weeks after withdrawing from the Australian Open for ''personal family reasons'' the Belgian announced on her Web site today that she was splitting from husband Pierre-Yves and would return to tennis at the Open Gaz de France in February.

''The last few weeks were difficult for me... I must announce to you that Pierre-Yves and I have decided to separate,'' she wrote.

''The reasons are personal.'' The 24-year-old married in 2002.

Reuters SAM DB1024