Published 04:37 IST, November 5th 2019
Kim Clijster suffers a setback in her return to professional tennis
Kim Clijsters, on Monday, announced that her return to professional tennis will be delayed after she is undergoing rehabilitation because of a knee injury
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Kim Clijsters has announced that her return to professional tennis has been delayed since she is undergoing rehabilitation and treatment for a knee injury. She said that although it was a setback, she will be returning soon to the game she loved. The former world number one announced her comeback to professional tennis in September.
Minor setback
I’ve had to make the decision that I will not be able to compete in January. I am undergoing rehab and treatment for a knee injury. It’s a setback but I’m determined as ever to get back to the game I love. I really appreciate all your support and encouragement.
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) November 4, 2019
The announcement will be a disappointment for the Belgian player who was hoping to make a seamless comeback to professional tennis. On September 12, she had announced that she will be returning to professional tennis. Clijsters said that she missed the game and having been away from the game for a period of seven years she missed the game. At the time of the announcement, she said that it was important whether she would be able to the same level again. Clijsters turned pro in 1997 and went on to win 41 singles titles. She played her last competitive match in 2012 at the US Open.
This will be her second return to professional tennis after she announced retirement at the age of 23 because of injuries and in order to start a family. She stayed off the court for two years and made a return in August 2009 when she played at the Western & Southern Open and Rogers Cup. In just her third tournament after her return, she won the US Open, beating Venus Williams, Li Na, Serena Williams, and Caroline Wozniacki in the process. She also won the Australian Open in 2011 and then became world number one sometime later.
03:20 IST, November 5th 2019