This week marked the arrival of Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters’ fourth edition featuring former WTA icons like Alize Cornet, Angelique Kerber, Barbora Strycova, and recently retired 2014 Wimbledon finalist Eugenie Bouchard. Fans were eager to once again witness a clash of all these stars on the court. However, tennis had to take a backseat, unfortunately, following an unexpected setback involving a four-time slam champion. While initially there were hopes of a quick recovery, her latest update has sparked concerns on social media.

Former World No.1 Kim Cljisters was hoping to entertain the fans yet again in Luxembourg this year. However, the ex-Australian WTA star met an unfortunate fate during her match against Cornet. Midway through their battle, Clijsters suffered an injury as she fell to the ground grimacing in pain. She was struggling to come back in the second set after losing the first one. But the result became an afterthought as her health took precedence.

Clijsters recently posted a clip on her Instagram, dated October 11, revealing what exactly happened to her on the court. And the news is not good, to say the least. “I am in a hospital, as you can probably tell. Ended up rupturing my Achilles tendon yesterday at the event in Luxembourg.”

However, she seemed hopeful of getting back to normal soon. “I’m on the road to recovery now. The next two weeks, I’ll be in this boot. Very annoying injury, obviously. I didn’t think that after I would be retired that I would have a big, serious injury like this, but it is what it is, so I can’t wait to get to the States and be with Brian and the kids and start my recovery.”

Moreover, she thanked the people who reached out to showcase their concerns and care. “For the people who knew and who’ve been sending me lots of messages, thank you so much. I really appreciate it. I was very bummed yesterday, but it’s all good now…” Speaking of messages, Clijsters ended up receiving lots of heartwarming words from across the tennis fraternity.

Jannik Sinner’s trainer, WTA legend Billie Jean King, and others pray for Kim Clijsters’ quick recovery

The comments section soon flooded with warm wishes and messages showing concern for Kim Clijsters. Among the ones who rallied behind her, involved 12-time slam champion Billie Jean King. The former World No.1 wrote, “Feel better soon and hoping for quick healing.” Meanwhile, ATP star and four-time major winner Jannik Sinner’s current coach Darren Cahill also dropped his reaction saying, “Nooooo Kimmie 😢 hang in there and a speedy recovery 🙏 big hugs 🤗🤗”

For the uninitiated, it is not the first time 42-year-old Clijsters has experienced injury woes on the court. On multiple instances during her career in the past, she dealt with similar circumstances. Way back in 2006, at the Canadian Open, she suffered a wrist injury. The following year, she was forced to announce her retirement, at just 23.

After two years, however, she came back and went on to clinch back-to-back slams. But fitness issues persisted. In 2012, she retired from the sport once again and later pulled out of the Brisbane Open due to back spasms. Five years ago, in 2020, Clijsters had to go through knee surgery while missing out on most of the events. In the next two years, she was able to compete in just five matches before announcing her retirement for a third, but final time in 2022.

Another WTA star, Caty McNally, joined the bandwagon of wellwishers for Clijsters, wishing her a “Speedy recovery❤️‍🩹” Moreover, WTA pro and Clijsters’ compatriot Daria Saville also chimed in saying, “far out! sorry Kim!!! Get well soon!! Speedy recovery. ❤️”

Former British pro Naomi Broady also couldn’t resist sharing her reaction. Expressing her emotions, she wrote, “Oh nooo!! Sending a big hug, Kim. Get well soon ❤️” Even American alpine ski racer Lindsey Vonn came forward and wished Clijsters a timely recovery. “Oh no!! Heal up ❤️”