After seven years away from the courts, the former world number one, who was already out of a first retirement in 2009, announced Thursday its return for 2020.
The women's tennis circuit has seen the emergence of three new faces this season with Japan's Naomi Osaka, Australia's Ashleigh Barty and Canada's Bianca Andreescu, winners of the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the Australian Open respectively. 'US Open. But in this rejuvenated landscape, the experienced Kim Clijsters, 36, aims to make a place for herself.
The Belgian surprised the tennis microcosm, Thursday, September 12, announcing his return on the professional circuit, in a video broadcast on Twitter.
" What do I want for my life? For seven years, I've been a full-time mom and I love it, really. But I also liked being a professional player and I honestly miss it. Can I be a mother of three and the best tennis player possible? Let's go again. See you in 2020. "
Hi guys, I'm excited to finally be able to share this news with you … #wta # 2020 https://t.co/tm7jYMEwrH
Inducted into the Hall of Fame
After setting up her racket at 23 in 2007, the Flemish had made a comeback in 2009 and then retired for the second time after defeating the second round of the US Open in August 2012.
She was officially inducted into the Hall of Fame, the pantheon of the discipline, in 2017, becoming the second Belgian to enter after Justine Henin. To qualify, you must have stopped playing for at least five years and have had a remarkable international career "Marked by its integrity, character and fair play".
Clijsters has won 41 titles including four in Grand Slam: the Australian Open in 2011, and the US Open in 2005, 2009 and 2010. She has been a finalist twice at Roland Garros and doubles semifinalist at Wimbledon . And held the world number one spot for twenty weeks.
