Brussels, Sep 22 (DPA) Former world number one Justine Henin is set to announce her return to tennis some 16 months after she retired from the game, Belgian press reports said Tuesday.

Henin, 27, who retired from the sport in May 2008 when at the top of the world rankings, will announce her return live on national television during the evening, it was reported.

If confirmed Henin would be following compatriot Kim Clijsters who won the US Open in New York September 13.

'Justine Henin is also returning,' De Standaard reported, while Le Soir said Henin was set to 'break her silence' and confirm rumours of a return.

Speculation that Henin was contemplating a comeback grew after it emerged she had returned to training to play in two exhibition matches at the end of the year and had also cancelled a theatrical acting engagement.

There has no confirmation from Henin on the reports.

On her website the seven-time Grand Slam winner congratulated Clijsters on winning the US Open just five weeks after she ended two years of retirement in which she devoted time to motherhood.