Archive for: playing

Kim Clijsters Ready To Return To The WTA Tour

It might come as a surprise to tennis fans that the player who may invigorate the slumping women’s tennis tour (discounting the Williams sisters) may not be a flashy, grunting teenager, but instead, a veteran 26-year-old mother. Kim Clijsters, the 2005 United States Open champion and former world No. 1, will make her return to the W.T.A. next month at the Western & Southern Financial Group Women’s Open in Cincinnati.

Clijsters has been slowly warming herself up for the summer hard courts of America since announcing that she was coming out of retirement in late March of this year. She played a Wimbledon exhibition in May against Steffi Graf, then handily beat Michaella Krajicek, a former top 30 player, in another exhibition last month. This month, Clijsters will return to American soil on the World TeamTennis stage, playing for the St. Louis Aces. In the spring of 2007, Clijsters retired at 23 after winning one major, 34 tour titles and holding the top ranking for 19 weeks. She cited boredom, injuries and the desire to start a family as reasons for stepping away from the game.

Daniela Hantuchova Confirms For Brisbane International

Slovakian glamour girl, Daniela Hantuchova, is the latest to confirm her attendance at the Brisbane International in January.

The world number 19 was a semifinalist at the Australian Open in 2008 and broke into the top 10 when she reached number 5 in August 2002.

She will be joined by French Open Champion Ana Ivanovic and reigning Australian Women’s Hardcourt Champion Na Li in the women’s draw.

The men’s draw boasts Novak Djokovic, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Marcos Baghdatis, Gael Monfils, Richard Gasquet and Mardy Fish with the player cut off date, for the tournament ,on the 21 November.

Daniela Hantuchova said “I am really excited about returning to Australia and playing a strong field in the lead up to the Grand Slam.

“I took home some really nice memories last year. It was something very special for me.

“With my preparation this year and the quality field at the Brisbane International, I will be even more ready.

“I love Australia and have played in tournaments there since 2001. I am looking forward to playing in this new event and challenging some high quality players in the lead up to the Australian Open.”