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BACK AGAIN! Kim Clijsters Announces her Return Date Following a Long Hiatus

Published 09/09/2021, 2:18 PM EDT

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Veteran star Kim Clijsters retired back in 2012, after the US Open. Almost a decade later, Kim made a comeback to the sport, participating in the Dubai Tennis Championships in 2020. Unfortunately, the Belgian lost her match there, and didn’t really feature in any big tournaments since. But now, she will step on court again, at a brand new tournament.

Kim Clijsters to take part in Chicago Fall Tennis Classic

via Imago

This year, a brand new addition will make its debut in the WTA circuit. It is named the Chicago Fall Tennis Classic, set to take place in the USA. The WTA 500 event is receiving a lot of hype this year, and many top players are scheduled to feature. The competition will kick off in the last week of September, after the US Open is completed. And ahead of its curtain-raiser, a top quality wildcard has been declared.

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This player is none other than 4-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters. The former World No.1 has officially accepted a wildcard into the brand new tournament. She will now take part in the event along with top players like Emma Raducanu and Camila Giorgi, who are slated to feature. It will be Clijsters’ first tournament in over a year.

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Clijsters’ bittersweet comeback

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Back at the Dubai Tennis Championships, Kim Clijsters was pitted against another Slam winner in Garbine Muguruza. She fought valiantly there, especially since it was her first competitive match in many years. Despite her best efforts, the 3-time US Open winner lost in straight sets to the Spaniard. However, there were many positives to take away for her. After this, Clijsters played another tournament before heading to New York for the 2020 US Open.

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At the major tournament, Kim took on Ekaterina Alexandrova, to whom she ended up losing. It was a tight tussle against a hard-hitting player. Clijsters managed to take the match till the deciding set, but eventually fell short. Ever since then, she has been suffering a lot with her body, meaning that she tumbled down the rankings as well. Thus, she will be hoping that the tournament in Chicago is kind to her.

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Do you think Kim Clijsters can make a successful return to the circuit? Rest assured, fans will be delighted to even witness her taking to the court.

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Written by:

Sankalp Harikrishnan

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Sankalp Harikrishnan is a tennis and NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He aspires to pursue Sports Journalism and has represented his institution in cricket, badminton, football, and table tennis. Apart from his professional desires, Sankalp does voluntary service with his friends to feed hungry animals on a regular basis.
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