US Open: Kim Clijsters retires from Grand Slam comeback
The former world number one Kim Clijsters failed in her Grand Slam comeback in the first round.
by SID / tennisnet
last edit: Sep 02, 2020, 07:00 am
Eight years after her last appearance in a major, the 37-year-old Belgian lost 6: 3, 5: 7, 1: 6 to Russian Ekaterina Alexandrova, who was 21st at the US Open.
In February of this year, Clijsters celebrated her return to the tour, originally in 2012 she had declared her professional career over for the second time. At the US Open, which Clijsters won in 2005, 2009 and 2010, she was at the start thanks to a wild card.
Against Alexandrova, Clijsters, a member of the tennis hall of fame, showed that she can still keep up. With strong service and nimble feet, she caused problems for her opponent for a long time. But Alexandrova had more power and precision in the third set and made her victory perfect after 1:45 hours.
Venus Williams also eliminated
The two-time US Open winner Venus Williams is also eliminated. The 40-year-old lost to 20 seeded Karolina Muchova 3: 6, 5: 7. Williams had triumphed at the US Open 20 years ago and defended her title the following year.
Meanwhile, the Australian Open winner Sofia Kenin is after a 6: 2, 6: 2 over Yanina Wickmayer. Aryana Sabalenka, Madison Keys, Sloane Stephens, Johanna Konta, Donna Vekic are also in round 2.