The No. 2 ranked Belgian won the French Open and was runner-up at Wimbledon and the Australian and U.S. Opens. This weekend she will lead her country against Italy in the elite team event of women's tennis.

With No. 4-ranked Kim Clijsters sidelined because of a wrist injury, Henin-Hardenne carries the hopes of a nation aiming for its second Fed Cup title in five years.

``I'm getting used to that,'' she said.

Henin-Hardenne plays Saturday's second singles match against 20th-ranked Flavia Pennetta and could play two singles matches and the doubles in the best-of-five series. Italy, which leads Belgium 6-0 in Fed Cup play, has never won the cup while Belgium has one title.

Henin-Hardenne had back problems during the U.S. Open and complained of blurred vision in her left eye Friday because of an infection. She says she's tired and hasn't practised enough on the indoor hard court at the Spiroudome.

``It is far from ideal,'' she said. ``It bothers me.''

Pennetta was in doubt until Friday. She hasn't played since inflaming a wrist injury at last month's Rogers Cup in Montreal, but believes she can test Belgium's star player.

``I'm feeling good. I can play both singles,'' Pennetta said. ``Maybe I can beat her, you never know.''

Belgium's second player, 98th-ranked Kirsten Flipkens, replaces Clijsters. She plays 14th-ranked Francesca Schiavone in Saturday's opener.

``I don't know what my chances are,'' Flipkens said. ``We are here as a team and every point counts.''

Henin-Hardenne has full confidence in the 20-year-old Flipkens, who has never won a WTA Tour event.

``I trust Kirsten _ she can do something special,'' she said.

In the semifinal victory over the United States, Belgium played without Henin-Hardenne, and Flipkens won both her matches.

``It has given me lots of confidence, but this is very different,'' Flipkens said.

Schiavone knows Flipkens' low ranking means little.

``The Fed Cup is different,'' she said. ``The most important thing is to stay focused.''

That may be tough, with Belgian fans expected to fill most of the 6,000-seat arena.

``We play at home and it is going to be an advantage to us,'' Henin-Hardenne said.

However, the absence of Clijsters could be costly.

``It is a big blow,'' Belgian captain Carl Maes said. ``Without a shadow of doubt, it makes a huge difference.''

Schiavone, Italy's best player, beat top-ranked Amelie Mauresmo in the Fed Cup quarter-finals. Italy captain Corrado Barazzutti can also call on reserve Mara Santangelo. She won her first WTA Tour event this year, reached the third round of the U.S. Open and is ranked a career-high 33rd.