Goodbye Kimmy Clijsters

[TennisHack]

Good-bye to my favorite female player of all time. I'm sorry I was cheated out of a 'real' farewell, but I guess I should've been present in Antwerp for that.

Tributes...

[TennisHack]

Kim Calls It A Career
May 6, 2007

www.sonyericssonwtatour.com/1/newsroom/stories/?ContentID=1316

ST. PETERSBURG, FL, USA – One of the most popular players to have ever graced the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour, Kim Clijsters, announced her retirement on Sunday, May 6, effective immediately. Clijsters' last match was a 76(3) 63 loss to the Ukraine's Julia Vakulenko in the opening round of the J&S Cup in Warsaw, Poland on May 3, 2007.

"I'm extremely proud of what I've achieved in my career," Clijsters said in a message to her fans. "If someone told me nine years ago I would have accomplished all that I did, I would have said you were joking. Tennis has been an amazing journey for me all over the world and I'm very happy to have met the people I did. That's always been the most important to me; forget the trophies and material things, friends are truly the most important. I couldn't have done all I did without the support of my family and coaches who worked with me, and to them I'm truly grateful. I am also thankful to all the encouragement from the fans over the years and the media's support in following my career.

"I couldn't have asked for a better farewell than I got in Antwerp; trying to play after that was proving more difficult. With injuries that wouldn't go away and life after tennis drawing nearer, it became harder to push myself to compete.

"Tennis-wise, winning the US Open and season-ending Championships twice were obvious high points. The matches that I'll never forget were the 1999 US Open match with Serena, when I was 5-3 up in the third. I had such goose bumps it was incredible. I remember playing Amélie in Filderstadt one year, coming from match point down to win, but the tennis we both played that day was amazing.

"I hope people won't be too sad now that I've decided to stop playing tennis. A new chapter in my life is about to begin and I hope I'll see everyone somewhere down the line. Remember, whatever you do, do it with a smile on your face."

-----

"Kim Clijsters will be remembered as one of the most accomplished and loved players in the history of women's professional tennis," said Sony Ericsson WTA Tour CEO Larry Scott. "No player has been so unanimously popular with fans and fellow players alike. She has been a once-in-a-generation champion. Kim's contribution to popularizing the sport in her native Belgium, as well as globally, is well-known. Athletic and determined on court, Kim has also been a wonderful ambassador for the sport off it and she will be much missed by her legions of fans, fellow players and everyone connected with the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour."

Long-time compatriot and rival, world No.1 Justine Henin said, "I have a lot of respect for what she did in her career, as a player and as a person. We've almost grown up together and I think we've helped each other to reach another level because we always pushed each other to play better. I think it's been a good concurrence for us. She's been a great player and it's time for her now to turn the page and do something else in her life and everyone has to respect that. She did a lot for the game, for Belgian tennis for sure, and I think I will have great memories of her that I will keep. It's pretty emotional because we spent a lot of time together when we were younger and we grew up together on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. It's a very special day today."

Close friend Amélie Mauresmo said, "I think she had been thinking about retiring for a while so I'm sure she is really convinced that it's the right decision for her. The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and all the players are going to miss her a lot, not only because of the player she was, but the joy she brought everywhere. I wish her the very best in her new life. Personally I always enjoyed our rivalry because it brought the best out in both of us."

Serena Williams reflected, "I wish Kim the best in her life after tennis. She was a great player, a great competitor and an even better person. We had some great matches but I'll miss her more in the locker room than anything else."

Click here to send your own personal tribute message to Kim.

Highlights and milestones that stand out in the Belgian's impressive career include:
- Nine seasons as a professional, winner of 34 career singles titles and 11 doubles titles and $14.5-million in career prize money.
- First Belgian, man or woman, to rank No.1 in the world.
- Made Grand Slam debut at 1999 Wimbledon as a qualifier, having just turned 16; won six matches, including a win over No.10 Coetzer, before falling to Graf.
- In 2001, upset world No.1 Hingis en route to the Indian Wells final, reached her first Grand Slam final in Paris before falling to Capriati 16 64 1210.
- Record-breaking season in 2003, becoming the first female athlete to pass $4-million in season earnings; on August 18, became only fifth player ever after Navratilova, Hingis, Sánchez-Vicario and Davenport to rank No.1 in singles and doubles simultaneously; reached 15 singles finals; won 90 singles matches and the first woman to play over 100 singles matches since Evert in 1974; defended season-ending Championships crown.
- Had one of the most impressive comebacks ever in 2005, having played only eight matches in the previous 12 months following left wrist surgery and with a ranking of No.133, won Indian Wells and Miami back-to-back to re-establish herself as one of the world's best players. Six months later won her first Grand Slam title and reached No.2 in the world.
- Only player to have defeated both Serena and Venus Williams while they held the world No.1 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ranking.
- Renowned for her friendly demeanor, she received the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship award from her peers an unprecedented six out of seven years.
- Recipient of Belgian Sportswoman of the year five times, most recently 2005; ITF World Champion in 2005; LTWA Ambassador to the Sport Award – presented in London 2005, Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player of the Year award in 2005.

[TennisHack]

From Bob Larson's tennis news:

Somewhere in Belgium....

Now we have a pretty good idea of why Kim Clijsters lost in Warsaw. She'd reached the end of the road.

This weekend, Clijsters posted the announcement on her web site. She's retired as of right now. No last attempt at Wimbledon, no farewell tour, nothing. She is through, effective immediately. She will retire with a ranking of #5 (as of next week's rankings), having been #1 several times in her career, with a U. S. Open title and finals at every Slam except Wimbledon. She also teamed with Ai Sugiyama to win the doubles at Roland Garros and Wimbledon 2003.

We'll doubtless do a farewell feature, but we're going to wait at least until next week, to make sure she doesn't change her mind. Not that that seems likely, given how determined she has sounded all year.

And, of course, we'll see how she feels two or three years from now....

[TennisHack]

From Kim's website:

Thank you 06-05-2007

It has been more than fine. I'll put my rackets in their cupboard. After a fantastic and moving goodbe in Antwerp my motivation wasn't the same anymore. Therefore a slightly longer and extended diary to you, my fans.

The recurring injuires, having difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning, needing about an hour to get all the muscles warmed up, the demanding preparations of the marriage with Brian... It all makes things a bit difficult to keep on going.

Quitting tennis at an age of nearly 24 is pretty young still. I could have easily gone on and still reel in the four major big earners (three Grand Slams and the Masters). Money is important, but not the most important in my life. Health and happiness are so much more key to life.

The best memories of my life as a pro tennis player: the many tournament titles, the Grand Slams in the singles and the doubles, world champion and having been number on in singles and doubles. All great moments, but less important than enjoying oneself with the other players, the fun with the fans in Belgium and abroad, the joy and warmth of the disabled, the many happy faces of the elderly at "tea with Kim" or tears of joy of the women with the new dog. The many sportsmanship awards as well, awarded by the players themselves, will keep a special place in my house. They are the nicest one can get as a player.

So I won't be playing at Luxemburg or Stuttgart anymore, even though I promised the people over there I would. I can still live up to promises by visiting them then, but right now, it is time for a new life. Time for marrying. Children? Time for cooking and playing with the dogs. And above all time for my family and friends, no more travelling. No more airplanes in and out. No more gossip or lies in the newspapers. No more jetlag and no more packing and unpacking.

To conclude for you, dear fans: many thanks for all the support throughout the years. Many thanks for all the hundreds of thousansd of letters, presents and phone calls. Sorry to keep you up at night or making you nervous during matches. Many, many thanks to you all, especially those of the forum. All the best!

14 juli is the day we will marry. Many fans already asked where and how, but you'll understand that this day concerns a private event. Only family and close friends will be present.

But I won't leave without saying goodbye to you all and I will invite you all to a big party in September. Details won't be announced yet, but you'll hear about it on time in a newspaper or via www.sport.be.

See you then! Many kisses.
Kim
x

[TennisHack]

Clijsters Calls It Quits
By Tennis Week
05/07/2007

The trademark sliding splits have come to a stop. Looking forward to her walk down the aisle, Kim Clijsters has made her final run on the court. Clijsters cut short her farewell tour and officially announced her retirement from the WTA Tour on Sunday.

The 23-year-old Belgian concludes her nine-year career with 34 singles titles, including the 2005 U.S. Open championship, 11 doubles titles and $14.5 million in prize money.

Clijsters last match was a 7-6, 6-3 loss to Julia Vakulenko in the opening round of the J & S Cup in Warsaw on May 3.

Competing in an era of power players, Clijsters' power of perseverance made her a contender on every surface for much of her career. Sprinting after shots, skidding across the hard court and sliding into her trademark splits, Clijsters’ deep desire was on display in her desperate pursuit of every ball during her committed run to the 2005 U.S. Open championship.

"I am extremely proud of what I have achieved in my career. If someone told me nine years ago I would have accomplished all that I did, I would have said you were joking," Clijsters said in a statement. "Tennis has been an amazing journey for me all over the world and I’m very happy to have met the people that I did. That’s always been the most important to me, forget the trophies and material things, friends are truly the most important. I couldn’t have done all that I did, without the support of my family and coaches who worked with me, and to them I’m truly grateful. I am also thankful to all the encouragement from the fans over the years and the media’s support in following my career."

Clijsters climbed to No. 1 in the WTA Tour rankings on Aug. 11, 2003 to become the first Belgian — man or woman — to hold the top spot in the rankings. She held the singles and doubles No. 1 ranking simultaneously.

"I have a lot of respect for what she did in her career — as a player, as a person," compatriot, former Fed Cup teammate and rival Justine Henin said. "We’ve almost grown up together and I think we’ve helped each other to come in another level because we pushed each other always to play better. I think it’s been a good concurrence for us and she’s been a great player and it’s time for her now to turn the page and do something else in her life and everyone has to respect that. She did a lot for the game, for Belgian tennis for sure, and I think I will have great memories of her that I will keep. It’s pretty emotional because we spent a lot of time together when we were younger and we grew up together on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. It’s a very special day today."

Eager to settle down and start a family of her own, Clijsters desire to delve into domesticity ultimately prompted her to pull the plug on her playing career. Clijsters will wed long-time fiance Brian Lynch on July 14 in her hometown of Bree, Belgium. New Jersey native Lynch, a former Villanova University basketball player, now plays professionally in Bree.

The couple, who both own bulldogs, met over a doggie date and notice an instant attraction: Lynch's bulldog, who had yet to be fixed, was all over Clijsters' dog. Prior to the start of the 2005 U.S. Open, Clijsters spent 10 days with Lynch and his family at the Jersey Shore, training and visiting the Great Adventure amusement park.

Initially, Clijsters planned to play Wimbledon and conclude her career playing the Tier II Luxembourg tournament on Sept. 24 and the Tier II Porsche Tour Grand Prix in Stuttgart starting on Oct. 1, however the desire to start a family proved too strong for Clijsters, who placed a priority on pursuing personal happiness.

Family has long been a central force in Clijsters' life. Her father, Leo "Lei" Clijsters was the 1988 Belgian soccer player of the year and a member of Belgium's 1990 World Cup soccer team, her mother Els was a national gymnastics champion and her younger sister, Elke, also played on the tour before retiring. The Clijsters' are a close family who leaned on each other for support when Els Clijsters underwent a liver transplant in March of 1999. The fact that mother and daughter are so close has heightened Kim's desire to have children while she's still young and build a bond with her child similar to the one she's shared with her own mother.

"I have a very, very good relationship with my mom and she's really young and that's something I would like to have with my kids as well," said Clijsters, who was engaged to her first boyfriend, former World No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt, before the couple split. "I would like to have a kid before 25 and that's something I'm thinking now, but who knows what I'm doing with my tennis career (then); it's something you have to feel at that time."

Renowned for her desperate dashes and sliding splits, Clijsters played a physically-demanding brand of tennis and has felt the burden on her body. She underwent multiple wrist surgeries in recent years and struggled with pain to her knee and Achilles' tendon. The two-time French Open finalist had reduced her clay-court schedule in recent years, partly due to the aches and pains plaguing her body.

"I couldn’t have asked for a better farewell than I did in Antwerp this year and trying to play after that was proving even more difficult, with the injuries that wouldn’t go away and knowing life after tennis was drawing nearer, it became harder to push myself to compete," Clijsters said. "Tennis-wise, winning the U.S. Open and season-ending Sony Ericsson Championships twice were obvious high points. The matches that I’ll never forget were the 1999 U.S. Open match with Serena (Williams) when I was 5-3 up in the third. I had such goose-bumps it was incredible. I remember playing Amélie (Mauresmo) in Filderstadt one year from match-point down to win but the tennis we both played that day was amazing."

In her eighth career major appearance, Clijsters reached her first Grand Slam final at the 2001 Roland Garros. She was within two points of winning the French Open four times before bowing to Jennifer Capriati, 1-6, 6-4, 12-10, in the longest third set in Roland Garros' women's final history.

Clijsters would go on to reach the 2003 French Open and U.S. Open finals as well as the 2004 Australian Open final, falling to Henin in all three major finals. Her inability to close major matches against elite players prevented Clijsters from winning multiple majors.

Her biggest rival, Henin, held a 12-10 career edge against Clijsters, including a 5-2 mark in major matches. Clijsters compiled a winning record against three former top-ranked players — she was 8-7against Amélie Mauresmo, 5-4 vs. Martina Hingis and 4-3 against Maria Sharapova — however she was was 1-7 lifetime against Serena Williams with her lone victory coming in the 2002 season-ending WTA Tour Championships final. She won four of 10 meetings with Venus Williams.

"I think she had been thinking about retiring for a while so I’m sure she is really convinced that it's the right decision for her," Mauresmo said. "The Sony Ericsson WTA Tour and all the players are going to miss her a lot not only because of the player she was but the joy she brought everywhere. I wish her the very best in her new life. Personally I always enjoyed our rivalry because it brought the best out in both of us."

Clijsters has played the U.S. Open twice in the past four years, falling to Henin in the 2003 final, 7-5, 6-1, before bouncing back to capture the 2005 championship with a 6-3, 6-1, victory over Mary Pierce. Clijsters was the world's best hard-court player in 2005, winning 36 of 37 matches on North American hard courts to claim the U.S. Open Series title and earn a record payday of $2.2 million — the largest championship check in women's sports history — after defeating Mary Pierce, 6-3, 6-1, to capture the 2005 U.S. Open. Her Flushing Meadows triumphed capped an inspired comeback season in which Clijsters, having played only eight matches in the previous 12 months following left wrist surgery and with a ranking of No. 133, won Indian Wells and Miami back to back to re-establish herself as one of the world’s best players.

Holding her nerve and playing completely in the present rather than considering the potential outcome was one of Clijsters' biggest challenges. She had a tendency to get tight, play too passively and retreat into reactive positions against top players in major matches as if deep down she was unsure if her game is really worthy of winning. During those times, Clijsters' serve and forehand could be vulnerable shots under pressure.

"She can play great tennis," said Hingis, who is a friend of Clijsters, after losing to Clijsters in January's Australian Open quarterfinals. "But also like today we saw she gets a little nervous, a little tight. That's when you have to make her hit an extra shot, which I tried to do. It worked pretty much like a set and a half. There you have to just be able to just keep going because she's not going to hand it to you. But definitely, I mean, she's a player that in a way should have won more [majors]. I think sometimes I know there is always a break mentally that some players you like more or you dislike to play."

One of the most likeable and popular players on the WTA Tour, Clijsters received the Karen Krantzcke Sportsmanship award from her peers an unprecedented six out of seven years. She won the Belgian Sportswoman of the year five times, most recently 2005, the ITF World Champion award in 2005, the LTWA Ambassador to the Sport Award – presented in London in 2005 and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Player of the Year award in 2005.

"I hope people won’t be too sad now that I’ve decided to stop playing tennis," Clijsters said. "A new chapter in my life is about to begin and I hope I’ll see everyone somewhere down the line. Remember what ever you do, do it with a smile on your face."

[TennisHack]

Hewitt Understands Clijsters' Decision To Call It Quits
By Tennis Week
05/08/2007

Their love match reached break point four months before a scheduled February, 2005 wedding and former World No. 1 players Lleyton Hewitt and Kim Clijsters have since gone their separate ways. Hewitt said on Monday, he understands Clijsters' decision to call it quits and conclude her nine-year career before completing her planned farewell tour.

"I think, you know, Kim's so well-liked around the world and she's played well in so many tournaments around the world that it would have been nice for you her to compete for the rest of the year just for herself to get enjoyment, and obviously for the crowds as well," Hewitt said. "But I know how many injuries she's had over her whole career basically, and she's had to play through some tough times."

The pair initially met at the 2000 Australian Open when Clijsters' younger sister, Elke, a Hewitt fan, asked Kim to get Hewitt's autograph. Clijsters complied and returned with both the signature and Hewitt's heart. Clijsters and Hewitt split in October of 2004.

Hewitt married Bec Cartwright, who starred in the Australian soap opera "Home and Away" on July 21st, 2005. The couple have an 18-month old daughter, Mia Rebecca Hewitt.

Clijsters is scheduled to wed American boyfriend Brian Lynch on July 14 in her hometown of Bree, Belgium. Both Hewitt and Clijsters have struggled with injury in recent years.

"She knows her body best. Very rarely do you walk on the court feeling 100 percent," Hewitt said. "She's had a great career, though."