Kim Clijsters has announced her return to tennis and while this adds a welcomed spark to the women’s tour, how long will it last? And more important, is she serious about it?
It has been a few years since we have seen Clijsters either on or off the court.
She has been married, had a baby and hopefully nursed some of those injuries cited near the end of her career. Players are fortunate these days with the prize money and endorsements associated with the game in the modern era. They have the option to leave, fulfill other dreams and goals in life comfortably before returning if they miss the competition.
The Belgian has mentioned that it will be a tentative return. She will play three tournaments—Cincinnati, Toronto and most notably, the US Open. This is a good omen, given that she won this major in 2005.
It will be interesting to see how she fairs against newcomers such as Caroline Wozniacki and Victoria Azarenka, however much attention will be on her matches against her old Tour mates, including Venus and Serena Williams, Maria Sharapova and Svetlana Kuznetsova.
It will be surreal for the old foes to play each other again and many players have expressed their eagerness to see her back.
At Miami just a few weeks ago, the Williams sisters (arguably among her toughest competition) spoke about Kim’s return. “She was always a strong player and always a fighter and a gritter,” Serena told On the Baseline. “It will be good to play her again and see how she’ll do.”
Meanwhile Venus reflected on the battles she had with the Belgian, also commenting about her character on court. “We always had some great matches,” Venus said. She was a great competitor.”
Kim was a dominant force when at her best, but compatriot Justine Henin always seemed to take the cake in comparison. Clijsters was never as nimble or talented as Justine despite her heavy groundstrokes and clever tactics on the court. Both women did extremely well in flying the flag for Belgium, particularly in increasing tennis awareness in their home country.
One should not expect Clijsters to produce the form and athleticism she once exhibited, but fans will be excited to see her name flash up in the draw. What we can anticipate is her congeniality and sportsmanship.
Form comes and goes, but those qualities will stick with a player forever.
Hey, If the williams sisters can take form, so can Kimmy, I’m ***** excited and think that her fight within will at least make for a few fantastic finals. Come on Henin, Come back.!!!
I think it’s a very nice move by clijsters.I hope that she will catch her position again..come on kim!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Injuries may take their toll again,especially if she does”The Slide Splits” without it she may find the wide shots difficult to reach now she is out of practice.However we will see how long it lasts…..Justine will never come back I,m afraid WTA,s massive loss.The Best Lady player I have ever seen!
what does this say about women’s tennis?
in what other sport can a woman reach a comfortable stage in their sporting career, call it quits ( for the time being) and then return when they get tired of sitting at home playing ‘suzie home maker’?
i wouldn’t be surprised if kim wins a slam or two this season given the level and standard of the current circuit.
here’s a proposal: i’ll train for a month and see if i can make it in time to qualify for the french open and see how far i get.
an exculsive for on the baseline!:)
I’m still shocked that she is returning after enduring so many injuries in many different body parts. I have a feeling she won’t stick around long. I also have a feeling that she’ll do pretty well.