Kim Clijsters Announces Tennis Comeback In 2009, Eyes US Open

On a notable day in 2009, Kim Clijsters, the former world number one tennis player, made a significant announcement that would mark her return to the professional circuit. At the age of 25, after having retired in May 2007 and embracing motherhood in the following year, Clijsters declared her intention to make a grand slam comeback at the US Open. This decision came with a firm resolve as she stated, "My comeback will be in the United States. I won't go to these tournaments in the same way I go on holiday. I don't plan to go there as a tourist and come back home after one or two rounds."

Clijsters' commitment to her comeback was not just talk. She lived up to her words by winning the US Open title she first clinched in 2005, defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the process. Her triumphant return didn't stop there; she defended her title in 2010 and went on to win the Australian Open in 2011. Throughout her career, Clijsters amassed four grand slam singles titles and reached the semi-finals at both Wimbledon and the French Open twice.

However, in 2012, Clijsters announced her second retirement due to family commitments, particularly wanting to be present as her daughter started school. Yet, the allure of tennis beckoned once more, and after a seven-year break and becoming a mother to two sons, she began training in early 2019. In the following year, at the age of 36, Clijsters announced another comeback. Unfortunately, this return was short-lived as it lasted just five matches before she retired for a third time in 2022.

The journey of Kim Clijsters is a testament to resilience and passion for the game of tennis. Her ability to return to top-level competition after significant breaks from the sport, not once but twice, showcases an extraordinary level of dedication and physical fitness. Despite her final retirement in 2022, Clijsters' legacy as a fierce competitor and a beloved figure in tennis remains undiminished.