Doha - The mouthwatering double return of Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin in 2010, as well as a shorter playing season, could guarantee a new golden era in women's tennis.
That's the feeling of the eight players who have made it through to the $4,45-million WTA Championships which get underway here on Tuesday.
Clijsters made a stunning return to the sport after a two-year absence to start a family by winning the US Open.
Fellow world number one Henin, who sensationally quit on the eve of the 2008 French Open, has also announced her return, a decision adding extra spice to next year's Australian Open where old rival Serena Williams is defending champion.
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"I think it's great to have Kim and Justine back. They got tired at one point, but they're back. Good for them. I would wish them luck, but I want to do well too," said Williams.
Russia's Elena Dementieva described Clijsters as "extraordinary".
"I was not surprised to see her playing at this level because I know she's a great athlete and she was capable of doing this," said the Russian.
"It's great to see Justine coming back. Again, it's not a big surprise because I think with Kim and Justine, they were pretty young when they decided to retire. Justine had a big passion for the game.
"I'm sure she was missing the game and is desperate to come back and win a Wimbledon title."
French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova believes the return of the two Belgians will add variety to a women's environment often dismissed as one-dimensional and predictable.
"Every player you see has a different game. One is a hard hitter, another one is a bit defensive... every player has a different personality," said the Russian.
Meanwhile, Caroline Wozniacki, who is a WTA Championship rookie as is her close friend Victoria Azarenka, hopes that the kind of versatility which took her to the US Open final will be a challenge for Clijsters and Henin.
The Danish teenager's marathon collection of 87 matches in 2009 has been helped by her careful approach to the game.
"I think there's a place for different players," said Wozniacki.
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