In the competitive world of professional tennis, where rivalries are a common occurrence, long-lasting friendships are truly priceless. Among these hidden gems is the subtle but persistent bond between Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters, two tennis legends whose camaraderie has weathered the test of time. Recently, the Belgian tennis player opened up about the special connection that she shares with the American star.

Despite the fierce competition they once engaged in on the court, Roddick and Clijsters’ friendship has remained unwavering, preserving its authenticity over the years. In the same context, the 40-year-old former WTA player shed light on the depth and significance of their bond.

Kim Clijsters has seen Andy Roddick develop from Junior to ATP sensation

Just a few days ago, when the four-time Grand Slam champion appeared on the TennisWorthy podcast, she talked about the special moment in her tennis career when she was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame back in 2017. During that conversation, Kim Clijsters also discussed how her friendship with the American legend has evolved over time.

She said, “We used to play Juniors together and I’ve seen him develop. I’ve seen him win you know his Grand Slam in New York. You know there’s so many players out on tour but when you have a connection with somebody like that, that goes way back it’s really exciting. So, I couldn’t be more happy when I saw that we were going to be inducted together.” 

Both of them received the honor in the same year 2017, and this is a connection that will always be a part of her life they both got inducted together.

Also read: 4 x Grand Slam Champion Kim Clijsters Opens Up on Her Special Bond With Pickleball as It Came to Her Rescue During Testing Times

However back when Roddick and Clijsters were honored together, the ATP star also talked about his friendship with the Belgian, recalling the first time they met nearly 2 decades ago.

Roddick’s take on his friendship with Clijsters 

Back in 2017, when both of them stood side by side inside the International Tennis Hall of Fame museum, they re-called when they first met each other. Roddick revealed that “it was 1996 in Japan,” when they first met, but just like any other friendship, the WTA star corrected him regarding the place, “in Nagoya,” while finishing the statement.

Further, he stated, “It’s amazing in tennis how you have these relationships that span time. You don’t have to be in touch with the person all the time, but you still have those memories no matter where your life has taken you.” Not only that, but recently, the ATP star stunned tennis fans, by bringing the 40-year-old tennis star as a guest to his podcast show, sharing the same bond they shared decades ago.

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