Kim Clijsters will make her long-awaited return to tennis this month at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championship.The former world number one announced she would be making s surprise return to playing last year.
A wrist injury delayed her plans to feature at the Australian Open in January, but that has proven to be just a minor blip, and the 36-year-old can now press ahead with what would be a second comeback to the WTA Tour.
“I am really excited to be getting back to the match court,” Clijsters said.
“I know it’s a special anniversary for the Dubai Duty Free Championships so it’s a honour to be making my return to the game and debut in Dubai at the same time.
“I can’t wait to return to the game I love and play in front of the fans again – the support and encouragement that I’ve received since the announcement has been overwhelming.”
I’m accepting a wild card to play the @DDFTennis. Since announcing my return, there have been a few bumps but looking forward to returning to the match court and what this next chapter brings … Thanks to all my fans for their encouragement these past weeks. See you in Dubai! pic.twitter.com/XOwIeEujyk
Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free, added: “We are delighted to welcome such a great champion here for the first time and are thrilled that Kim Clijsters has chosen to include Dubai in her limited schedule as she seeks to continue her wonderful career.
“She is truly one of the greatest players to have graced the game, and she excelled in the often difficult challenge of being not only one of the game’s strongest competitors but in being universally loved and respected by her peers, we wish her every success here.”
The DDF Tennis Championship is scheduled to start on February 17.
