Kim Clijsters takes inspiration from Andy Murray, stages a comeback at Chicago this week
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Andy Murray and Kim Clijsters
4-time grand slam champion Kim Clijsters returned to action at Chicago this week but bowed out of the opening round to Hsieh Su-wei. However, Clijsters, who played her first match in more than 20 months, dragged Hsieh to three sets before losing 3-6,7-5,3-6.
The Belgian announced in 2019 that she would be coming out of retirement and came back in 2020 at the Dubai Duty Free Championships. She then played the US Open where she lost in the first round. Ahead of the tournament, Clijsters spoke about coming back on tour and said that she’s been practicing for a long time.
“I’ve been practicing for a long time so I’m excited to start playing matches again,” Clijsters said. “That’s the reason I’m here, to play more matches so I can slowly build my level and get more match rhythm and match routine under my belt. I feel like in practice I’m doing a lot of things well and I’m getting fitting and stronger. Now it’s just a matter of trying to get enough matches.”
“I try to do all my workouts either really early – I’m a 5 a.m. person – doing a workout before the kids wake up, and trying to get everything done when the kids are in school. “Then I can do all the normal things that parents do: driving them to their hobbies, cooking and cleaning. I love the challenge.”
‘I feel like it’s something I can relate to Andy’: Clijsters
Clijsters further revealed how Andy Murray’s comeback has inspired her. Murray came back two years back after going through a career threatening hip surgery.
“Seeing Andy Murray and the way he speaks about his comeback and everything, it’s so motivating and it gives you a lot of energy too,” Clijsters said.
“To see him go through the things he’s gone through and be open about the challenges of it and the belief that he has, I feel like it’s something I can relate to.”
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Lakshya Chopra
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