Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters

Kim Clijsters (born 8 June 1983) is a Belgian former professional tennis player. She is a four-time Grand Slam singles champion, winning the US Open in 2005 and 2009, the Australian Open in 2011, and the Wimbledon Championships in 2003. She also won the WTA Finals in 2002, 2003, and 2010.

Clijsters was born in Bilzen, Belgium, and began playing tennis at the age of five. She turned professional in 1997, and quickly rose through the ranks. She reached her first Grand Slam final at the 2001 French Open, where she lost to Jennifer Capriati. She then won her first Grand Slam title at the 2003 Wimbledon Championships, defeating Serena Williams in the final.

Clijsters retired from tennis in 2007 to focus on her family. She gave birth to a daughter, Jada, in September 2008. However, she returned to the sport in 2009, and quickly regained her form. She won the US Open in 2009 and 2010, and reached the final of the Australian Open in 2011. She also won the WTA Finals in 2010.

Clijsters retired from tennis for a second time in 2012. She was ranked No. 1 in the world at the time of her retirement. She was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017.

Clijsters is considered one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She was a powerful and aggressive player with a strong serve and forehand. She was also known for her mental toughness and her ability to win close matches.

Personal life

Clijsters is married to Brian Lynch, a professional basketball player. They have three children together, Jada, Jack, and Blake.

Clijsters is a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador. She has also worked with other charities, including the Red Cross and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Awards and honors

• Grand Slam singles titles: 4 (US Open 2005, 2009; Australian Open 2011; Wimbledon 2003) • WTA Finals singles titles: 3 (2002, 2003, 2010) • WTA Tour Championships singles titles: 1 (2002) • WTA Tier I singles titles: 12 • WTA Tier II singles titles: 10 • WTA Tier III singles titles: 1 • Fed Cup titles: 3 (2001, 2011, 2012) • Hopman Cup titles: 3 (2001, 2002, 2003) • ITF World Champion: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010 • WTA Player of the Year: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2009, 2010 • WTA Most Improved Player of the Year: 2000 • WTA Comeback Player of the Year: 2009 • International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee: 2017