Kim Clijsters first announced her retirement from tennis in 2007.
The Belgian, then only 23 years old and ranked fourth on the WTA Tour, decided to focus on her family life and protect her body from further injury following a plethora of physical issues.
Around two years later, Clijsters announced her return to the sport.
If you were in charge of tennis, what is the first rule you would change?
“I intend to play in the US Open and almost certainly in the tournaments at Cincinnati (early August)- my first official tournament back – and Toronto,” she told a press conference in her hometown, as reported by France 24.
“The desire is back,” she added.
Clijsters went on to achieve the unthinkable later that year, winning the US Open title for a second time.
Kim Clijsters won the 2009 US Open title despite being unranked
Clijsters, unseeded and unranked at the 2009 US Open, began her campaign by defeating Ukraine’s Viktoriya Kutuzova 6-1, 6-1.
She then knocked out future Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli, triumphing 5-7, 6-1, 6-2.
A dominant victory over Kirsten Flipkens followed, before Clijsters stunned Venus Williams in three sets.
Clijsters continued to amaze spectators in New York, beating China’s Li Na and American superstar Serena Williams in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, respectively.
The Belgian concluded her historic campaign by defeating eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 in the final.
Clijsters became the first mother since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at the 1980 Wimbledon Championships to win a Grand Slam singles title.
“I don’t have words for how I’m feeling – I’m just glad I got to come back to defend my title from 2005!” Clijsters said afterwards, as reported by the BBC.
“It’s been so exciting for me, I just wanted to get back to playing tennis. The support I’ve received has been crazy.
“Even from the first round, how warmly everyone welcomed and embraced me. It helped me keep fighting and stay focused.”
“We tried to plan Jada’s nap time a little bit later today so she could be here,” the Belgian said of her daughter. “It’s the greatest joy in the world.
“I can’t wait to spend the next few weeks with her.”
When did Kim Clijsters finally retire?
After triumphing in New York, Clijsters captured two more major singles titles: the 2010 US Open and 2011 Australian Open.
In 2012, she then called time on her career once again.
Seven years later, the Belgian made an emphatic return to the WTA Tour at 36 years old.
Clijsters retired for a third and final time in 2022.
“I have decided to no longer play official tournaments,” she wrote in a message on Instagram. “I can’t wait to see what new adventures will cross my path.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past two years!”
