One of the most successful and popular players in women’s tennis makes a beeline for Brisbane.
Announced today at the Queensland Tennis Centre, Brisbane International Tournament Director Steve Ayles said he was delighted to welcome Kim Clijsters to Brisbane for the first time.
“ I am delighted that one of the great champions, former world No.1s and current US Open Champion, Kim Clijsters, will be coming to Brisbane this year,” Ayles said.
“Kim is an extremely popular player with both fans and players and it will great to see her competitive spirit come alive on court this summer.
“She will add another dimension to what will be a spectacular line-up in Brisbane in 2010 with her deep, powerful, well-placed ground strokes, her court-wide defence and her speed and athleticism.
“We are particularly excited to have her in the tournament after her unbelievable return to women’s tennis at the US Open where she had stunning victories over both the Williams sisters.
“I am sure she is going to be a crowd favourite at the Queensland Tennis Centre and a very strong competitor to watch out for.”
Returning after two years of retirement and on the back of her US Open win, Kim Clijsters is excited about making her debut at the Brisbane international in 2010.
“Australia is a home away from home for me and I am thrilled to be coming back in January for the Brisbane International,” Clijsters said.
“I have heard what a great event Brisbane was last year and I am looking forward to seeing all the new facilities and stadium.
“I am also particularly keen to spend some time in and around Brisbane and soak up the beautiful surrounds with my daughter Jada and husband Brian who will be travelling with me.”
Queensland Premier, Anna Bligh, was also pleased with the news that Kim Clijsters will headline the program at the Brisbane International in 2010.
“A player of the calibre of Kim Clijsters will add significantly to our tournament,” said Ms Bligh.
“Queenslanders love their sport and I know that everyone will be keen to support Kim while she is in Brisbane. I know I will be looking forward to her performance on court.”
Clijsters turned professional in August 1997 and has won 35 singles titles including two Grand Slam titles, at the 2009 and 2005 US Open.
She was a finalist at four other Grand Slam tournaments, Australian Open (2004), French Open and US Open (2003) and French Open (2001) and has won 11 doubles titles, including two Grand Slams at the French Open and Wimbledon (2003), both with Japan’s Ai Sugiyama.
The Belgian made it to No.1 in the world in both disciplines, even holding both top rankings at the same time for three weeks in August 2003.
After her remarkable return to the game, Clijsters has climbed to No.19 in the women’s singles after competing in only three events.
Since her return she has defeated Serena Williams (No.2), Venus Williams (No.3), Svetlana Kuznetsova (No.4), Caroline Wozniacki (No.8) and both of the Brisbane International 2009 finalists Victoria Azarenka (No.9) and Marion Bartoli (No.14).
The 26 year old retired from tennis in May 2007 citing frustrations with injury and the desire to begin a family as reasons for her departure. She has since married American Brian Lynch and had their daughter, Jada, in February 2008.
Clijsters has represented her country for seven years at the Fed Cup from 2000 to 2006 and has a 21-4 win-loss record.
Brisbane International 2010 series packages go on sale 7 October with single sessions available on 14 October. Ground passes remain $9.90 with the qualifying event on Friday 1–2 January 2010 remaining free.