In her first professional match since September 2012, Kim Clijsters was drawn to open against Garbine Muguruza at Dubai Tennis Championships 2020. The Belgian ace played a decent game, but the prowess of the reigning Australian Open finalist Muguruza put her on the back foot, and she lost 6-2, 7-6(6) to the Spaniard.

First one: A decent start from Kim Clijsters

The comeback for Clijsters began with her service. She committed two double faults and saved two break points, but Muguruza led by an early break on the third break point.

With Clijsters coming up with a return wide return, Muguruza backed up the break at 2-0. Excellent ball-striking was produced from Kim and she held her game to 15 at 2-1.

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With the World Number 16 Muguruza holding her serve with an ace at 3-1, Clijsters saved a break point and also held her serve at 3-2.

With the Spaniard being relentless on her serves, Kim Clijsters was facing difficulties in retrieving her service game back. The double faults from the Belgian aided Muguza to lead by 5-2.

In the next game, Garbine Muguruza saved three break points and with a huge serve on the first set point, she wrapped up the set 6-2.

Second set: Impressive tennis from Kim Clijsters

The two-time Grand Slam champion Muguruza showed no signs of slowing down. She was solid and again broke Kim’s serve. The Spaniard was ruthless and consolidated her break to love at 2-0.

Kim was coming up with decent shot-making, but her double faults knocked her down and Muguruza led by 3-0.  In the next game, Clijsters came up with a hefty forehand and broke Garbine’s serve to love at 3-1.

After multiple deuces, the Belgian ace sealed her service game at 3-2. Muguruza was showering aces for a lead at 4-2, Clijsters continued to give her best. With amazing ball striking on backhands and the stadium cheering for her, Clijsters held her serve at 4-3.

An error-strewn game from Garbine aided Kim to regain her second service game and with her sheer resilience, she was back on serve at 4-4.

A gutsy hold from Kim Clijsters at 5-4 as she saved a flurry of break points. She came up with a smart challenge on the second break point and later with a massive serve, she lodged her lead in the set.

The ladies held their following serves at 6-5 and action was peaking while the clock struck nine in Dubai. With Muguruza holding her serve to love, the set sailed into the tiebreak.

Tiebreak

Clijsters was minibreak up at 2-0, but with an unforced error from Kim, Garbine regained it at 2-2. A cross-court forehand winner from the Spaniard gave her a 4-2 lead. With Muguruza playing some impressive tennis, she sealed the match 8-6 in the tiebreak.

Great game Kim!