Serena Williams of the US holds the trophy during after beating Justine Henin of Belgium, to win the women's singles final match at the Australian Open tennis championship in Melbourne, Australia, Jan. 30, 2010. [CFP]

Henin, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, was playing just her second tournament and first grand slam event since returning from a 20-month retirement. Henin, who quit when ranked No. 1, needed a wild-card invitation from organizers because she hasn't played enough events to qualify for a ranking.

Today's final was their 14th career meeting in a rivalry dating back to the 2001 U.S. Open. Williams now leads 8-6 after winning their first matchup in a Grand Slam final.

Williams, playing with bandages on her right thigh and left calf, was back on Rod Laver Arena after yesterday pairing with sister Venus to win the women's doubles title for the second straight year.

Henin, 27, was the second straight wild-card entry from Belgium to reach a Grand Slam women's final. Kim Clijsters won September's U.S. Open in her first major after returning from retirement. Until Clijsters' run to the title in New York, no wild card had gone beyond the semifinals at a major.

Also on Saturday, American twins Bob and Mike Bryan won their fourth Australian Open doubles title, defeating Daniel Nestor of Canada and Serbian Nenad Zimonjic 6-3, 6-7(5), 6-3.