Elena Dementieva said Belgian star Justine Henin had returned to tennis as good as ever after losing an epic second round Australian Open match to the former world No 1 on yesterday.

In a classic encounter that ebbed and flowed throughout and lasted almost three hours, the 27-year-old Henin eventually edged past the Russian fifth seed in two gripping sets, 7-5, 7-6 (8) for her biggest win since returning.

The pair had faced each other 11 times previously, with Henin (pictured) winning all but two of those encounters and Dementieva said the time away from the game had definitely not affected the Belgian's form.

"I think she was playing very well," the world No 5 said. "She was moving well and hitting hard. It just doesn't feel like she had the break.

"She was as good as she was before."

Dementieva dismissed any disappointment about facing the seven-time Grand Slam champion so early in the tournament.

Rather, she welcomed the return of Henin to women's tennis. "She's a great player," she said. "Playing against her, you really can learn a lot and improve your game.

"We really need these kinds of players to increase the level of the game, so it's great to have her back on the tour."