STUTTGART, Germany - Former world No 1 Justine Henin gave herself a French Open boost yesterday with the first victory of her comeback as she won the Stuttgart WTA tournament.

STUTTGART, Germany - Former world No 1 Justine Henin gave herself a French Open boost yesterday with the first victory of her comeback as she won the Stuttgart WTA tournament.

Henin's 6-4 2-6 6-1 win over Australia's Samantha Stosur yesterday's final was her first title since ending her 18-month hiatus in January, in her third final. She last won here in 2007.

"It's very emotional for me to win here," said Henin. "I never thought I would be back here again, not even a year ago."

Henin, who has won seven Grand Slam titles, revealed she first had the idea to come back to tennis when she saw Roger Federer win at Roland Garros. "To see Roger win the French Open last year and keep fighting so hard, brought back the fire in me."

Seventh seed Stosur was contesting her second straight final, having won last month's Charleston tournament. - Sapa-AFP