New York loses its Queen!

What an unfortunate season this has been for Kim Clijsters! It started perfectly with a first Australian Open trophy and the recapturing of the number 1 spot, but, soon after, injuries took their toll and the Belgian was sidelined since. She missed the entire claycourt season due to a foot injury she sustained while dancing at her cousin's wedding. Nevertheless, she returned for the French Open but lost in the second round to Dutchwoman Arantxa Rus. She reinjured her foot while playing at the Unicef Open and thus was forced to miss Wimbledon. This was a big blow to her plans, as Kim made the capturing of the grasscourt Slam title her top priority. "At this moment I feel frustrated that it has to happen now before one of my favourite tournaments," she said. "I've always enjoyed being a part of the Wimbledon atmosphere but I have no other choice now but to rest."

She did just that and was now looking forward to a busy schedule ahead of the US Open, her favourite WTA tour stop. She is the undisputed queen of the American hardcourts, having won the crown in her last three showings, i.e. in 2005 (final win against Pierce), in 2009 (defeated Wozniacki) and in 2010 (dismissed Zvonareva). Once again her plans didn't go as scheduled, leaving the cute Belgian in sheer frustration. She picked up an abdominal injury in her first match in Toronto against Chinese Jie Zheng. She had to retire from that encounter and, after undergoing further investigations, doctors concluded she won't be able to recover in due time for Flushing Meadow. This means that the two times defending champions won't be there to protect her crown. "Two weeks of rehab was not enough to heal this injury. Obviously I'm very disappointed," she said. "I trained very hard this summer and felt in a good shape to play the U.S. Open."

It's such a pity that Kim's limited schedule is restricted even more. She was already a part-time player on the tour, featuring in only the biggest tournaments. Moreover, she made it clear that she was no concrete plans after the 2012 Summer Olympics, fueling speculations that her clock is ticking. She is such a nice players, so gracious in win or defeat and she's so loved that it's really a shame that her fans are deprived of enjoying her more.

Following the loss of its queen, the New York draw is more open than ever. Serena Williams is now the hot favourite, but nowadays one can never know who is in for the run of her life.

photos:  GETTY IMAGES

Tennis LOVEbirds. Part 1: The Legends

The Maiden Sweethearts

In the early 70s, Jimmy Connors and America's sweetheart Chris Evert became the ultimate tennis couple. When the 19 years old Chris fell madly in love with one of the greatest tennis players, the world stood still to witness their romance. Their story captivated audiences, as the duo generated a commotion wherever they went. Their popularity reached such unbelievable heights that when they've arrived for the 1974 Wimbledon, they were treated like Royal Highnesses. They didn't disappoint and, after an unforgettable fortnight, the couple took home the singles titles. It was a time of utmost joy and happiness, of personal and professional fulfillment, a time when the two lovebirds had the entire world at their feet. For Evert the success was even sweeter, as it marked her first triumph at the grass-court Slam. In a later interview, when looking back at that period, Chris said that she is happy she got to share her success with Jimmy. He was the first man she loved and, probably, the one that left the deepest cut in her heart.
Although they parted ways later that year, calling off their wedding plans, they will always be remembered as the first high profile couple that sparkled on the tour. In a time when tennis rarely made it in the news, they provided the needed  flame to ignite media's interest in the game. Their story paved the way for many couples who found love on the tennis courts.

My Dream Team

What were the chances of having my favourite players fell in love? Moreover, of them having such a beautiful, lengthy relationship? The answer is none. When I first heard the rumors, I was pleasantly surprised. Nevertheless, it all seemed a bit surreal. I had problems envisioning that Agassi, the wild wonderboy from Vegas, has finally found his soulmate in serene, shy and discrete German, Steffi Graf. It all happened after a tremendous 1999 French Open, when both defied the odds and took home the singles titles. Steffi beat Martina Hingis in one of the most dramatic matches ever, while Agassi wrote tennis history by joining the exclusive group of players who won all four Slams, the first one to do so in the Open Era.

As later revealed in his autobiography, ‘Open’, Andre had a crush on Graf since the early 90s. Nevertheless, life had other plans. After a series of high profile relationships comprising Barbra Streisand or wife, Brooke Shields, after going to sleep in Heaven and waking up in Hell, Andre was ready to get his life back on track. He made a welcome return to top form in Paris, thrilling the crowd with his I-wear-my-heart-on-my-sleeve performances. Nonetheless, he was determined to do the same off court and steal the love of the woman who remained stuck in his soul for all these years. This time around, Steffi didn't say no anymore and the two have starred in the perfect love story ever since. They got married two years later, on 22 October 2001, and they have two kids: son Jaden Gil (born four days after their wedding) and daughter Jaz Elle (born on 3 October 2003).
It rarely happens to have two superstars of this level, experiencing such a happy life together. Graf is probably the best female tennis players ever to grace the courts, while her husband's achievements should by no means be underrated. After the trials and tribulations of a fruitful professional life, they seem to have found the peace and stability they were striving for. As a consequence, they felt it is time to give something back and to repay the generosity they have been treated with. The duo has been actively involved in philanthropy work on behalf of the 'Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation'.

This is the perfect examples of a fairytale coming true. It marks the existence of two beautiful people who eventually ended up creating a beautiful life for themselves. They clearly top the list of my dream tennis couples, as only a Roger Federer - Martina Hingis match could dethrone them.

Restless Youth ♥

Kim Clijsters and Lleyton Hewitt were the ‘Teen Sweethearts’ of the New Millennium. As they were both fighting to make it big on the tour, romance inflicted. During the 2000 Australian Open, the two found love off court, making the delight of the tennis community worldwide. The duo became instant darlings, their story being extremely popular with both media and fans. With the press covering their every move, the cute couple managed to mesmerize audiences wherever they went. The Belgian's popularity in Australia reached incredible heights, the 'Aussie' Kim being practically adopted by her fiancée’s country. The partnership showed its strength also on court, Hewitt-Clijsters reaching the mixed doubles final at Wimbledon later that year.

What started as a fling proved rock solid and, after a three years relationship, Lleyton got down on his knee and proposed. It was the best Christmas present for Clijsters who accepted without hesitation. Living a fulfilling life off courts, proved beneficial for their careers too. In the time they’ve been together, the Australian made it to number 1 in the world and captured two Grand Slam titles, while Clijsters, an established presence in the top 10, was struggling to take the ultimate step and win a maiden Slam, having failed short in several occasions.

Things didn’t last though and, in 2004, the couple split. The news shocked the world, as everyone was assuming a long lasting happy life for them. The reasons were not revealed, but it’s clear that something ceased to function and the pair cancelled their wedding which was due in February 2005.

After parting ways, they both found happiness with other partners, Lleyton with actress Rebecca Cartwright and Kim with basketball player Bryan Lynch. While Hewitt’s career never reached the same magnitude, Clijsters' bloomed. She came back to the tour in 2009, a year after giving birth to daughter Jada, and has been more successful than ever. Moreover, as she admitted while receiving the Australian Open trophy earlier this year, it was only now that she got to leave up to her ‘Aussie’ Kim status.

photos (top-down / left-right):  ?, SI, PA, GETTY IMAGES (x2), Annie Lieb, GETTY IMAGES, Longines, DPA, AP, ? (x2), AP (x2), ?

Clijsters' meltdown

She started the week as the main contestant for the Suzanne Lenglen cup. She was sharp and focused in her first round clash and things were going according to plan. It all came tumbling down though, as today Kim Clijsters suffered one of the most shocking loses of her 'second' career.

The Belgian, making a welcomed return to the tour after injuring her angle at her cousin's wedding, was loud and clear about her intention of winning a first French Open title this year, having stumbled in two finals before (i.e. in 2001 she lost to Capriati and in 2003 to Henin). The medical problems impeded her from entering any claycourt tournament before Roland Garros. Even her participation in the French capital was a question mark for a long time, Clijsters struggling to recover from a lengthy time-out. However, she dismissed any worries with a convincing first round display, reassuring everyone that she is back at her best. In her second round match, Kim faced young gun Arantxa Rus from the Netherlands. She was in control for most of the dispute, quickly building on a one set 5-2 advantage. When people were leaving the Philippe Chatrier Court convinced that their favourite made it through to the next round, the inevitable happened. Clijsters' game completely fell apart, the Belgian being able to win only 1 of the next 11 games. She used to go through such lapses before, during the first part of her career. However, after taking time off to start a family, the issue appeared to have been solved. She showed more consistency and kept her cool under pressure. Nevertheless, the problem came back, once in the Australian Open third round in 2010 when she lost 6-0, 6-1 to Nadia Petrova and once this year, in Sydney where she lost the final after holding a 5-0 first set lead.

As she didn't sustain any injury, it's clear that her mind disconnected once more. She got carried away, her mindset was not there anymore and, as the match didn't end when it was supposed to, the competitiveness and focus vanished. Making an astonishing number of enforced errors, her opponent was offered the most important victory of her career. Probably 'victory' is not the most appropriate word, as Clijsters beat herself with her erratic, self-destructive display. Nevertheless Arantxa proved strong enough not to choke under pressure, to take her chances and to win a match that seemed way beyond her reach. For Clijsters, she should put all her efforts into preparing for Wimbledon, a tournament she can easily win.

photo: Reuters

Un scoop de la mode parisienne

With the French Open getting underway, the tennis elite was quick to showcase its latest outfits. The venue being Paris, la capitale de la mode, many players got inspired. In the absence of the Williams sisters and with Wozniacki insisting to wear the hideous Hawaiian dress, Maria Sharapova stole the show with a bright yellow, classy Nike dress. There must be something about the Roland Garros, as Sharapova always wears her most remarkable outfits in the French capital. I have heavy criticizes the Russian this year for lowering her fashion standards and allowing herself to wear the same clothes as other tour player. Although I still think she lost her authenticity and thus the uniqueness of her outfits has vanished, the Russian proved she retains her fashionista status. She knows exactly what clothes to pick and how to make a fashion statement. After winning in Rome, Sharapova looks poised to conquer Paris and to complete her Grand Slam collection. 

Kim Clijsters, probably the top female contestant, signaled her return from injury with a new look. The cute Belgian looks younger, fresher and completely focused on adding a first Suzanne Lenglen cup to her resume. The interesting thing about her outfit is that, due to the pattern, the blouse blends in perfectly with the clay surface. Although I am not blown away by it, I am enchanted by her overall look. Great to have adorable Kimmie back.

Without starting out from the crowd, Victoria Azarenka and Vera Zvonareva are both topping the mainstream Nike, respectively USTA, fields with great looking outfits. While Victoria made some inspired choices this year, managing to always look her utmost best, Zvonareva is yet to climb the highest fashion peaks. After turning around her career with Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open, Vera gives signs that she is improving her style too. I really like the K-Swiss apparel and fashion wise, I think she took an inspired decision to switch to the American sponsor.

As usually though, not everyone was that inspired. Sabine Lisicki for example wore a completely mismatched orange/ pink outfit, while Tsvetlana Pironkova looked cheap and cheesy in her strawberry, 'fancy wannabe' top. At least these two players wore what their sponsors gave them. It wasn't the case for fashionistas disasters Jelena Jankovic and Bethanie Mattek-Sands who continue to present to us the rough outcome of their styleless creativity. While Jankovic proudly introduced us with the pink version of her 'spring' dress, Bethanie, proving to be a one-trick ponny, wore her trademark knee high socks and coal miner make-up.

 

On the men's side, Roger Federer is back to his fashion best. After getting rid of the dull T-shirt he wore lately, the Swiss Master is once again elevating his style with a great carmine T-shirt and a matching jacket. A plus for the retro element of his outfit.

French duo of Gael Monfils and Jo Wilfried Tsonga wore dynamic outfits to match their volcanic personalities. While Monfils dared the partisan home crowds in vivid purple, Tsonga kept to his usual green. The dark tone of their skins contrasts very well bold colours, so the Frenchmen proved inspired once more. Compared to the rest of the player, they provide the fashion salt & pepper that the ATP tour needs.

photos (top-down / left-right):  GETTY IMAGES (x2), AP (x3), GETTY IMAGES (x3), ?, AP, ? (x2), GETTY IMAGES (x2)

Tough Mamma!

Everyone said Clijsters was the favourite to win the Australian Open this year. Although I am sure they all believed she has the weapons to do it, I am not certain how many of them (including myself in this category) really saw her go all the way. Judging based on her Slam history, she's done a great job in New York where she is the undisputed queen having won three titles and riding on a 21 matches winning streak. However, in the other Slam she entered after returning to the tour, her results were not that impressive: she lost that horror match against Petrova in Melbourne and stumble against Zvonareva at Wimbledon. She seems to be tougher mentally now, but even so, winning here might be a more difficult job than expected. At the beginning of the fortnight, I thought it might be Justine's year. I felt she was the best player in the draw. Clijsters might have grown stronger, but she's not as consistent as her fellow Belgian opponent. Justine just has that winner stamina. Even though she's troubled, she finds a way to win it. At least she used to before retiring.

My prediction proved wrong, as Henin lost to Kuznetsova in the third round. Immediately after, she announced her retirement from the sport due to injury. Kim on the other side looked in control. After thrashing Safina in the opener, she lost her focus a bit but squeezed wins against Makarova and Radwanska. Just at the right time, she reached her ultimate level and beat Zvonareva easily in the semis. In the final though, she was about to face a seriously improved Chinese Na Li who was playing the tennis of her life. I saw some of her matches and she was incredible. Azarenka and Petkovic, players who hit the ball really hard and are very aggressive just couldn't find a way to beat her. She won those matches easily and after passing Wozniacki in the semis, she looked set to make history for her country by becoming the first Chinese to win a Glam Slam. After announcing this might be her last Australian Open, the crowd was behind its 'Aussie Kim'. The first set was tense, Kim facing the same difficulties in breaking Li's game. The Chinese won it 6-3. But then the miracle happened. She did something, not really sure what, but managed to turn it around. She won it in three sets. Her first Glam outside the US. Finally! 

This is probably one of the best sensations I, as a viewer, experience while watching tennis. When your fave is down and out, seeing her come back from the bring of defeat and win it makes it so much more special. It's incredible how the player who previously used to lose matches being up 5-1 and match points managed to transform into this fierce competitor who takes every chance and wins almost every important tournament she enters. I would classify this as her second turn-around of her second career (the first being in the Cincinatti final against Sharapova last summer). Great job Kim! I just hope you'll keep on playing!

With this post I want to thank her for being such a great champion and for winning in Australia. After the Federer blow, I was really yearning some success. And yes Kim, now you truly deserve your 'Aussie Kim' nickname!

PS: Green seems to be the colour for Kim. Her uncle wore a pair of green pants to every match to ensure the winning streak. Also, her outfit was entirely green!

photos (top-down / left-right):  AP, GETTY IMAGES (x2)

Kim Clijsters Tennis Stars

kim clijsters

kim clijsters wedding

Belgian Female Tennis Star Kim Clijsters

Kim Antonie Lode Clijsters is a Belgian professional tennis player. She is a former World No. 1 ranked player in singles and in doubles. As of 20 September 2010, Clijsters is ranked World No. 5

Clijsters was born on June 8, 1983, in Bilzen, Limburg, in the Flemish Region of Belgium. She is the daughter of Lei Clijsters, a former footballer, and Els Vandecaetsbeek, a former national gymnastics champion. Lei Clijsters died of lung cancer on 4 January 2009. Clijsters says that she inherited footballer's legs from her father and a gymnast's flexibility and stamina from her mother and her tennis instructor. Kim's younger sister Elke finished 2002 as the ITF World Junior Doubles champion and retired in 2004 after back injuries.

In December 2003, Clijsters announced her engagement to Australian Lleyton Hewitt, but their relationship ended in October 2004. In October 2006, Clijsters announced her engagement to American basketball player Brian Lynch, who is based in Kim's hometown of Bree. Clijsters gave birth to a daughter Jada Ellie on 25 February 2008.

Clijsters has won 39 WTA singles titles and 11 WTA doubles titles. She has won three Grand Slam singles titles at the US Open in 2005, 2009 and 2010. She has also won the WTA Tour Championships singles title in 2002 and 2003. In doubles, she won the French Open and Wimbledon titles in 2003. Clijsters was twice a singles runner-up at the French Open and a one-time runner-up at the Australian Open, also reaching two Wimbledon singles semi-finals. She announced her retirement with immediate effect on 6 May 2007, but almost two years later, on 26 March 2009, she publicly declared her intent to return to the WTA tour for the 2009 summer hard court season. In only her third tournament back, she won her second US Open title, becoming the first unseeded player and wildcard to win the tournament, and the first mother to win a major since Evonne Goolagong in 1980. Clijsters is popularly known as one of the "comeback queens" of tennis.

In 2001 Clijsters became the first Belgian—man or woman—to reach a Grand Slam singles final in the Open Era. In 2003 Clijsters became not only the first Belgian—man or woman—to be ranked World No. 1, but also did so without winning a Grand Slam tournament. Clijsters is one of only five women to have been ranked World No. 1 in singles and doubles simultaneously (the others being Martina Navratilova, Martina Hingis, Serena Williams, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Lindsay Davenport). Clijsters compiled a 90–12 singles record. Her singles win total was the highest single-season total by any woman since Navratilova in 1982. Clijsters was the first woman to play more than 100 singles matches in a year since Chris Evert in 1974.

In returning to the World No. 1 ranking after the Australian Open in January 2006, Clijsters broke a rankings record. She was ranked as low as World No. 134 in March 2005, so her return to the top spot in a ten-month span was the fastest and biggest leap in women's tennis history.

In 2010 First woman to retain the US Open title since Venus Williams in 2001. Second woman in the Open Era to win three successive US Opens in which she played. 21 consecutive US Open match victories, second all-time to Chris Evert's 31 from 1975-1979. Third woman to win two Grand Slams as a mother, one shy of the record by Margaret Court. Repeated her own 2005 feat of winning a women's sport record paycheck of US$2.2 million Broke the US$20 million mark in career prize money at the US Open

For her performance during the season, Clijsters received the WTA Player of the Year 2010 award for the second time (first one in 2005), the first player ever to win this award in the year following the win of the Come Back Player of the Year.