 |
| The famous Clijsters splits at the 2010 WTA Championships |
Top 10 - Kim Clijsters Moments
Before the 2013 season really sets fire (Boo Victoria Azarenka and her toe denying us a blockbuster semi-final with Serena in Brisbane) I wanted to reflect on one of the memorable, and meaningful events, of the 2012 tennis year.
A number of great players played their final matches last year but the departure from the game that had the most effect on me was the second, and final, retirement of Kim Clijsters.
The Belgian brought sunshine and joy to the court throughout her wonderful career and is quite possibly one of the nicest people ever to have played professional tennis. She is going to be so missed by so many in the tennis world. Here are my Top 10 favourite Kim Clijsters moments.
 |
| Kim partnered my No.2 favourite player Tim against my No1 Steffi |
Almost a decade after facing her idol on Centre Court as a 16 year-old Clijsters met Steffi Graf (The Great Lady) again in a special exhibition singles under the new Centre Court roof.
I was fortunate enough to be courtside and saw first hand the exciting tennis played by both women. To say Kim looked ready to make a huge impression in her impending comeback is an understatement.
9) 2003 AUSTRALIAN OPEN SEMI-FINAL
Still a teenager Kim played out a superb semi-final with Serena only narrowly missing out on a first Australian Open final. Some glorious tennis took the Belgian to a 5-1 final set lead and on the verge of derailing the Serena Slam. The American fended off two match points to survive. It was a thrilling contest.
8) 2001 FRENCH OPEN FINAL
 |
| Kim and Capriati after a gripping 2001 French Open final |
Shortly before her 18th birthday the Belgian put in a memorable performance in her first major final at the French Open. Seeded 12th Kim stormed through the opening set but was pegged back by Australian Open winner Jennifer Capriati.
Clijsters came within two points of victory four times before falling 12-10 in the decider. It would be over four years until she lifted her elusive first Slam and sadly she was not destined to taste victory in Paris.
7) 2012 US OPEN MIXED DOUBLES
 |
| A match full of fun - Clijsters/Bryan |
Kim played her final professional match on court 17 at Flushing Meadows in the US Open Mixed doubles alongside Bob Bryan.
In a wondefully joyful and entertaining match the Belgian and US pairing fell to eventual winners Ekatarina Makarova and Bruno Soares 2-6, 6-3, (10-12).
Throughout the match Kim and Bob were smiling and laughing with Kim's family courtside. A wonderfully memorable and emotional send-off.
In a wondefully joyful and entertaining match the Belgian and US pairing fell to eventual winners Ekatarina Makarova and Bruno Soares 2-6, 6-3, (10-12).
Throughout the match Kim and Bob were smiling and laughing with Kim's family courtside. A wonderfully memorable and emotional send-off.
6) 2005 US OPEN QUARTER FINAL & SEMI FINAL
I'm not going to choose Kim's first Grand Slam victory as I was torn during the final against another favoutite of mine Mary Pierce. However Clijsters scored thrilling quarter final wins over Venus Williams and Maria Sharapova that were just as exciting.
Against Wimbledon champion Williams in the last eight Clijsters hit back from 6-4, 4-2 down to win 6-1 in the third before coming through a gripping semi-final with the Russian teenager 6-2, 6-7(4), 6-3.
 |
| Has there ever been more thrilling defence? Kim goes all the way 2005 US Open |
Finally Kim got her hands on a Grand Slam trophy outside of New York. After a shaky opening set against Li Na she hit back to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-3. Her brief return to the top spot was soon to follow. But the best memory of her Melbourne win came in her characteriscally joyous acceptance speech when she told the loving Australian crowd:
"Now I finally feel like you guys can call me Aussie Kim because I won the title."
 |
| Kim's wonderful Australian Open Winner's speech |
This is the lone off court moment in my 10. I had missed the chance to meet Kim at a FILA event at Harrods just before Wimbledon but I did get to speak to her during The Championships.
I was one of the first through the gates on Women's semi-final day and was first towards Henman Hill. As I got there Kim was walking past with her team on the way to the practice courts. I wished her good luck and got a lovely warm smile as she said "Thank you." It was a great moment.
3) 2012 AUSTRALIAN OPEN FOURTH ROUND
 |
| Fighting spirit - a determined Kim in Melbourne last year |
This was my highlight of last year's Australian Open as Kim won a brilliant repeat of the 2011 final against Li Na. Kim rolled her ankle early on but fought on bravely knowing it was her final time in Melbourne.
Facing four consecutive match points in the second tie-break; Clijsters produced a stunning comeback to win 4-6, 7-6(6), 6-4. Kim went onto take out World No.1 Wozniacki in straight sets to reach her final major semi-final where she pushed eventual champion Victoria Azarenka all the way.
2) 2010 BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL FINAL
It was Justine Henin's first event back after her own retirement and the two Belgian's produced an electrifying battle that was amongst the most exciting matches I've ever seen.
 |
| Kim and Justine after their superb 2010 Brisbane final |
Kim led 6-3, 4-1 before her great rival fought back strongly and held match points two match points in the decider. Clijsters responded and opened a 6-3 lead in the third set tie-break. Kim thought she's won on the second match point but but her backhand missed by a whisker and Henin drew level.
Surprisingly Henin then double faulted and Kim sealed a memorable 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(6) victory with a final thumping forehand down the line. A brilliant brilliant match.
| Kim Celebrating with daughter Jada |
Kim sealed her place in the tennis history books with possibly the most remarkable ever Grand Slam triumph.
In just her third event back on tour after becomming a Mother; the Belgian was unranked and unseeded as she saw off both Williams sisters - in dramatic style against Serena - to reach her second US Open final.
In an entertaining final against Danish teenager (and future World No.1) Caroline Wozniacki Clijsters held her emotions back and smacked her wonderful forehand to win 7-5, 6-3.
Sealing her second US Open title with an emphatic smash and collapsing to the court Kim was the first Mother for over 29 years to win a Slam. It could not have been written any better and will always be my favourite Kim moment.
| 2009 US Open Champion Kim |
No comments:
Post a Comment