Former US Open champion and World No 1, Andy Roddick welcomed Kim Clijsters’ return to the Tennis circuit. Multiple US open champion, Clijsters announced a shock return to Tennis at the age of 36 almost seven years after calling it quits. The four-time Grand Slam winner, and a former world number one, announced her return to the international Tennis Arena in 2020 in an Instagram video on September 12, 2019 (Thursday). In case Clijsters returns, it will be her second time she has broken retirement to make a comeback. Kim Clijsters, Four-Time Grand Slam Champion and 'Full-Time Mum' Announces Tennis Comeback in 2020 (Watch Video).

Roddick, who like Clijsters retired from Tennis in 2012, took to Twitter to welcome the former world number one. Roddick and Clijsters had won the 2005 US Open Series and competed for doubles prize money together. Both were also inducted to the Tennis Hall of Fame in 2017. Roddick won the 2003 US Open title reached three Wimbledon finals, losing to Roger Federer all three times.

Andy Roddick Welcomes Kim Clijsters

The Belgian former top-ranked women’s tennis player had initially bid adieu to the Tennis court in 2007 to build her family but returned two years later and won consecutive US Open titles in 2009 & 2010 and also the Australian Open Grand Slam in 2011 before again announcing her retirement for a second time. Clijsters wanted to nurture her three children and become a stay-at-home. On Thursday, Clijsters, among the few players to become World No 1 in both singles and doubles, announced her return to Tennis for a second time.

Kim Clijsters Announces Tennis Comeback

 

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Hi guys, I’m excited to finally be able to share this news with you... #wta #2020

A post shared by Kim Clijsters (@clijsterskim) on

 

“At 36 years old I feel like I’m too young to be retired,” she said. “And with so many inspirational athletes and moms competing, I can’t wait to get back on the match court and see what’s possible after having three children,” the two-time Grand Slam winner in women’s doubles told WTA Insider Podcast. "I want to challenge myself and I want to be strong again. This is my marathon."

Clijsters remains only one of the three women’s players to win a singles Grand Slam title as an unranked player. She won the 2009 US Open title becoming only the third women’s singles star after Margaret Court and Evonne Goolagong Cawle to achieve the feat. The Belgian returned next year and successfully defended her title adding to the 2005 US Open trophy. She has been training since January this year and even tested her fitness in singles at Wimbledon’s Test event.

Meanwhile, Steve Simon, the chairman and CEO of the WTA, said that Clijsters will be eligible for unlimited wild cards. “Kim Clijsters ranks among the greats of the game and her return to the Tour is exciting news for the WTA family and tennis fans around the world. Driven by her love for the sport, this wonderful champion continues to inspire women and men in all walks of life – and she only adds to the compelling wealth of talent in women’s tennis. I wish Kim all the best in this next chapter of her playing career.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 12, 2019 08:58 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).