When Kim Clijsters announced her retirement in 2007, I was one of her many fans who was shocked and saddened. Clijsters was always an excellent role-model for girls who played tennis. She was elegant yet powerful, stylish yet strong, well-mannered and not prone to temper tantrums, and most importantly, played her best tennis against an impeccable opponent that lead to a famed Belgian rivalry.
Cheering for Kim while lauding Henin's wonderful serves and volleys was a favourite pastime. Her retirement, therefore, left a huge void in women's tennis. In 2008, Clijsters gave birth to a daughter Jada Ellie. And in 2009, she was back playing the game she loved, a game that missed her presence. Players on a comeback often tend to take some time to get rid of the rustiness in their game. But not Kim Clijsters, who won the US Open title in only her third tournament back, becoming the first mother since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980 to win a major.
And since that win, there has been no looking back for the 27-year-old. Pictures of Kim holding the U.S Open trophy while hugging daughter Jada tell the tale of a remarkable fairytale comeback. Kim Clijsters, it seems clear, is now the poster girl for the working mother.
While her arch-rival Justine Henin made a comeback in 2010, it was clearly Kim who was still on top of her game. She successfully defended her U.S Open title, to make it her second Grand Slam victory after her comeback and ended 2010 with a ranking of World Number 3. This new year has gotten off to a great start for the Belgian.
When I wrote my preview post to the Australian Open two weeks back, I was hesitant about picking the favourites for the year's first slam. But of Clijsters, I was sure. It wasn't about the fan in me who wanted Clijsters to win, but going just by form and performance, Kim Clijsters was the sure favourite. And she proved all those predictions right by winning the Australian Open, coming back from a set down against Li Na 3-6, 6-3, 6-3.
When Clijsters was engaged to Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt in 2003, she was affectionately nicknamed 'Aussie Kim' by her many Australian fans. After winning the Australian Open title now, an emotional Clijsters thanked her fans amidst tears saying "I finally feel like you guys can call me 'Aussie Kim' because I won the title."
Call her Aussie Kim or Belgian Kim or Mother Kim, tennis fans around the world are delighted to see Clijsters back, with the same legendary grace and power. And possibly as more of an inspiration for mothers around the world. Welcome back, Kim. Tennis is a better place with your comeback.
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