Game, Set, Career: Kim Clijsters Immediately Retires From the WTA Tour
Posted by Aaress Lawless on May 6, 2007 | Print | Email | Bookmark | Free Subscription
Instead of continuing to play a reduced schedule for the rest of the 2007 season, former world number one Kim Clijsters has decided to end her professional tennis career on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour immediately.
Clijsters, who won her only Grand Slam singles title at the US Open in 2004, announced today on her official website that she will be retiring now instead of playing the remaining tournaments on her schedule.
“It [her professional career] has been more than fine,” said Clijsters. “I’ll put my rackets in their cupboard.”
She lost in the second round of the J&S Cup in Warsaw, Poland on Thursday to Julia Vakulenko and finally admitted what of us have suspected for weeks - that her competitive fire is gone.
“After a fantastic and moving goodbye in Antwerp my motivation wasn’t the same anymore,” conceded Clijsters.
Even though she is planning on getting married on July 14, Kim had originally hoped to play four more tournaments at Eastbourne, Wimbledon, Luxembourg, and Stuttgart.
“The recurring injuries, having difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning, needing about an hour to get all the muscles warmed up, the demanding preparations of the marriage with Brian…It all makes things a bit difficult to keep on going,” continued Clijsters.
“Quitting tennis at an age of nearly 24 is pretty young still. I could have easily gone on and still reel in the four major big earners (three Grand Slams and the Masters). Money is important, but not the most important in my life. Health and happiness are so much more key to life.”
Despite only winning one Grand Slam singles title, Clijsters is still headed into retirement with fond memories of her ten years on Tour.
“The best memories of my life as a pro tennis player: the many tournament titles, the Grand Slams in the singles and the doubles, world champion and having been number one in singles and doubles,” added Clijsters.
“All great moments, but less important than enjoying oneself with the other players, the fun with the fans in Belgium and abroad, the joy and warmth of the disabled, the many happy faces of the elderly at “tea with Kim” or tears of joy of the women with the new dog. The many sportsmanship awards as well, awarded by the players themselves, will keep a special place in my house. They are the nicest one can get as a player.”
She had special words to say to her many fans, including an invitation to a farewell event which will be held in September.
“To conclude for you, dear fans: many thanks for all the support throughout the years,” thanked Clijsters. “Many thanks for all the hundreds of thousands of letters, presents and phone calls. Sorry to keep you up at night or making you nervous during matches.”
“But I won’t leave without saying goodbye to you all and I will invite you all to a big party in September. Details won’t be announced yet, but you’ll hear about it on time in a newspaper or via www.sport.be.”
Even though she has declared her intention to retire, Clijsters will remain on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour rankings until she notifies the WTA Tour in writing.
“Right now, it is time for a new life,” added Clijsters. “Time for marrying. Children? Time for cooking and playing with the dogs. And above all time for my family and friends.”
Kim Clijsters will definitely be missed and I wish her the best as she begins this new chapter of her life at home.
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WilliamsFan | May 6, 2007 | Reply
She’s totally pregnant.
Aaress | May 6, 2007 | Reply
Well, if she is pregnant, that news has not been announced.
Kurt | May 6, 2007 | Reply
I was really sad with this news. She’s one of my favorite players (her game is fun to watch) and it’s obvious that she’s one of the nicest people on tour. I was hoping her year would be a bit more competitive and that she’d return to the place where she won her only Grand Slam. It’s sad that I won’t ever see her play again. She was a great player and champion, but, unfortunately, I think a little bit of an underachiever because she could’ve won more Slams had she that killer instinct. But that would’ve been her. I wish her the best of luck in her marriage and hope news of pregnancy come soon. It’s sad to see her go, but at least she’s moving on to something she’s more passionate about.
Kurt | May 6, 2007 | Reply
“But that wouldn’t have been her” is what I meant.
Kim Clijsters, you will be missed.
ice | May 7, 2007 | Reply
Great article, especially the words at the end!
Kim Clijsters is closing the tennis chapter of her life, but she is definitely opening up many new beautiful chapters
manfred | May 7, 2007 | Reply
I am actually hoping she’ll return in 2 years or so, just like Hingis did.
But if not then thanks for all the great things she has done for the game!
Aaress | May 7, 2007 | Reply
Thanks Ice!
ice | May 7, 2007 | Reply
You’re welcome! You are so much better to read that those so-called tennis writers out there, eg Peter Bodo who is absolutely hateful and c***re Kim