Kim Clijsters: The bubbly champion the world adored

Kim Clijsters of Belgium poses with the Daphne Akhurst Trophy after winning the 2011 Women’s Australian Open final

With a disarming smile and an effortless charm, Kim Antonie Lode Clijsters was the epitome of exuberance in women’s tennis. She was one of those amazing fighters who could swish her racquet fiercely on the court, and the very next moment make the smooth transition to a vivacious and effervescent girl, and later on, a doting mother we couldn’t help loving.

Clijsters’ career was divided into two parts, where her second innings after motherhood simply overshadowed the first one and her romance with Australian star Lleyton Hewitt had been one of the talking points of her first career. Born to Leo, a successful Belgian footballer and Els, a national gymnast, Kim was a precocious talent. She was a prolific junior player who won two Grand Slam doubles titles and was one of those spirited and zealous youngsters who made a noteworthy appearance on the senior circuit pretty soon. She started making waves right from her breakthrough year in 1999 and deservedly remains the only Belgian till date to have won the WTA Most Impressive Newcomer award.

In an age which saw the emergence of power tennis, Kim Clijsters, with her repertoire of impeccable shots, carved out a niche for herself. Known for her incredible athleticism, tremendous speed, footwork and sliding, Clijsters didn’t take much time to announce she was here to stay. Possessing a game replete with variety and finesse, untiring defense and superb offense, the Belgian reached her first Grand Slam final in 2001 at the French Open and was involved in a dazzling match against Jennifer Capriati which saw the longest third set at a women’s final in Roland Garros.

It was a golden time for Belgian tennis as her compatriot, Justine Henin, another amazing talent, soon reached the Wimbledon final that year. Together, the intrepid Belgian girls, with their versatility, continued to thwart the Williams hegemony of the elite events in women’s tennis.

The next few years saw the meteoric rise of the Bilzen-born girl to the pinnacle of world rankings. She etched her name in the history books as the first Belgian to hold the numero uno ranking in 2003. Not just in singles, she continued to soar even in doubles, becoming one of the very few to be ranked No. 1 in both singles and doubles simultaneously. The wonderful year also saw her reach another two Grand Slam finals but she lost them both to Henin. With a third loss to her compatriot at the Australian Open next year, Clijsters’ mental stamina started getting questioned time and again. After an injury-ravaged 2004, Kim silenced her detractors with a wondrous comeback in 2005.

In a magical year which saw her smash almost every obstacle that came her way, the Belgian finally broke her Grand Slam duck by capturing the US Open that summer. Years of perseverance and dedication had finally been rewarded as Kim said, “All the hard work and everything, it’s paid off. That’s more satisfying to me.”

In spite of reaching the zenith of her career, Clijsters unfortunately couldn’t continue to shine for a long time. Her wrist injury flared up once again and her impending retirement had to be brought forward to 2007. Kim, who had already broken off her engagement with former World No. 1 Hewitt, looked forward to a life of bliss with Brian Lynch, a former basketball pro. As Clijsters embarked on a new journey of marriage and motherhood, the tennis world continued to feel the void created by her absence. The world started truly missing the ebullient girl with her silky strokes and jaunty smile. It seemed that 23 was too premature an age to bid adieu and she definitely had more to offer.

Clijsters answered that call in 2009. After a 28-month sabbatical, the 26-year-old decided to focus once again on her unfinished tennis career. It was preparation for the inauguration ceremony of the roof on the Wimbledon Centre Court which instilled the fighting spirit, awoke the champion’s mind and urged Clijsters to immerse herself in the searing competition once again.

What transpired after that was truly fairytale stuff and the world was left spellbound! Much had changed in her life but her tremendous love and unwavering motivation had remained unaltered. Clijsters didn’t need a lot of time to give a testament of that. Her first two tournaments exhibited that Clijsters had never been away!

It all culminated in an unbelievable US Open performance that summer as she defeated both Venus Williams and Serena Williams en route to becoming the first woman since Evonne Goolagong in 1980 to clinch a major as a mother. When her lovely and innocent daughter, Jada, joined her in the on-court celebrations, it was a priceless picture of heart-melting warmth, and Clijsters’ comeback was complete.

With the continuous support of her family and their unconditional love, the ever affable Clijsters was now in a much more stable and secure situation mentally and it very much reflected in her game. With the wealth of her experience, she continued to surge on the WTA circuit, handling the teens with consummate ease and reminding her peers that she was indeed back.

After being bestowed with the WTA Comeback Player of the Year award, Clijsters showed amazing self-assurance and superb equanimity to come back next year to successfully defend her US Open crown. It was a far cry from the faltering Clijsters who stumbled in the first four of her major finals. At the Aussie Open next year, Kim was truly rechristened ‘Aussie Kim’ as she conquered the Aussie hearts to get her fourth Grand Slam title at the Melbourne Park and subsequently ascended to the summit of the world rankings.

As Clijsters became the first mother ever to become the top-ranked player, she had become a true inspiration for working mothers all over the globe. When she eventually retired for a second time by bowing out to Laura Robson in her final singles match at the US Open, it seemed that it was apt that a fledgling talent and a future star had to draw the curtains on a glittering career that saw the accumulation of 41 singles titles.

Clijsters, with her pleasing persona and geniality, will always be adored and revered by tennis aficionados all over the world. She exemplified that it is possible to simultaneously balance a remarkable professional career and a successful family life and emerge triumphant on both fronts. Today, as Kim Clijsters celebrates her 30th birthday and goes through another emotional phase of her life, awaiting the birth of her second child, here’s wishing her all the very best for the future.