Justine Henin is through to the quarterfinals of the Austrlian Open after battling past Yanina Wickmayer 7-6(3), 1-6, 6-3 but her legs are feeling the effects of a tough first week.
Henin picked up an ankle sprain on Sunday to go along with the leg, foot and cramping problems she has experienced during the week. "My left leg is quite sore. Sprained my ankle today also when I fell down," said Henin. "I hope it's going to be okay tomorrow. So physically it hasn't been easy in the last few days."
After playing for two hours and 50 minutes to battle past Elena Dementieva in the second round, Henin came from a set and a break down to defeat Alisa Kleybanova in the third round and faced three set points in the first set against Wickmayer.
But the former No. 1, playing only her second event after returning from retirement, is positive about her prospects for the rest of the tournament and the season.
"I think my game improved. It's just that we can still feel that it's only my second tournament.
"But, like I said, I didn't play tennis for two more years, so I probably love to spend more time on the court.
"I couldn't think I could be at this level at this time of the year... It's magical out there the way I feel. I feel so happy on the court. I feel it's my place. I feel, I wouldn't say different, but I enjoy it much more, and I find the passion again."