PER PLEXICUSHION

The bluster from Tennis Australia's officials that the new Plexicushion courts are faster than the old Rebound Ace has not impressed the players.

Henin is making her first trip to Sydney and Melbourne for two years, after her marriage breakdown forced her to bypass the Australian season last year.

She returned to find blue Plexicushion courts and not the familiar green of Rebound Ace.

"I didn't really understand why they changed the courts but I'm fine with that. I did like the Rebound Ace but I don't feel there is a big, big, difference," world No1 Henin said. "The ball doesn't bounce that high but it's pretty high so it's a good balance for good tennis.

"I still don't understand the reasons because, if they wanted it faster, that's not the case. Maybe in two or three years after it gets used a bit."

Two-time champion James Blake was also surprised at the speed, or lack of it, in the Plexicushion surface.

"It's a a little slower than I actually expected. I thought it was going to be a lot quicker. I figured they did this in part I think to help some of the Aussie players, especially, obviously, Lleyton," Blake said.

"I figured he likes a quicker court so I thought it was going to be a little lower bouncing and quicker but it feels like it grips the ball pretty well and takes spin pretty well so it will be interesting to see how the guys adjust to this instead of the Rebound Ace.

"'But, for me, it seems somewhat similar to the hardcourts of North America so it should be pretty good."