Four-time Grand Slam champion Kim Clijsters, a name synonymous with resilience and remarkable comebacks, offers a rare glimpse into her world post-retirement. Her reflections touch upon emerging talent, the enduring allure and demands of coaching, her own legendary return to the tour, and the perennial debates shaping women`s professional tennis today. It`s a candid conversation that cuts through the noise, revealing the nuanced perspectives of a true icon.
Nurturing the Next Generation: A Mentor`s Eye
Even away from the relentless grind of professional touring, Clijsters maintains a keen connection to the sport through her academy. It’s here that she has spotted a talent generating considerable buzz: Yelin Vandromme. At just 17, Vandromme has already claimed the US Open Junior title and currently sits at 505th in the world rankings. Clijsters` history with Vandromme runs deep, having known her since she was a child, observing her growth through the academy alongside her siblings. This close-up view provides a foundation for her current, more attentive monitoring of the young athlete`s progress – a testament to the personal investment Clijsters values deeply.
The Coaching Conundrum: A Question of Commitment
The idea of Clijsters gracing the coaching box of a WTA star is undoubtedly enticing to many. Indeed, she admits to having entertained the thought, even receiving “interesting offers.” Yet, for Clijsters, the practicalities outweigh the romanticism. “Travel,” she states emphatically, is the primary deterrent. Her philosophy on effective coaching demands an intense, personal connection – a commitment of “at least 15-20 weeks a year” physically present with the player. The notion of being a phone-based mentor, however technologically advanced the world may be, simply doesn`t align with her belief in comprehensive guidance.
“To be a good coach, you need to spend at least 15-20 weeks a year with the player. I don`t want to be a coach who is just on the phone. I believe you need personal contact, communication, understanding of the player.”
She emphasizes the need to observe an athlete`s life both on and off the court to truly understand and help them. While the idea remains “very tempting,” especially with a player with whom she feels a strong connection, her family remains the priority. With her youngest child still under nine, Clijsters humorously concludes, “I still want to be home for now.” It`s a sentiment many can appreciate: the unique joy of home life, a precious commodity for those who`ve spent years on the road.
The Unlikeliest Comeback: No Secret, Just Work
Clijsters` return to tennis after becoming a mother, clinching three more Grand Slam titles, remains one of sports` most inspiring narratives. Asked about the “secret,” she offers a refreshingly unromantic answer: “There`s no secret.” Her return wasn`t a calculated plan, but a spontaneous rediscovery of passion. Having initially retired without any intention of returning, content with “normal life” and a disdain for the “circus” surrounding the sport, fate intervened. A formal invitation from Wimbledon, complete with a wax seal, to play an exhibition match following her father`s passing, piqued her interest.
What began as casual training for enjoyment, even while breastfeeding, soon ignited a competitive spark – not against others, but within herself. This internal drive, coupled with the crucial support of her long-time coach Sam, who understood her physical state pre- and post-pregnancy, laid the groundwork for her monumental return. Motherhood, she noted, fundamentally altered her approach to time management on tour, making every moment more purposeful. The “free time” she once had before becoming a mother now seemed baffling, a stark contrast to the focused, enriching experience of traveling with her daughter.
The Perennial Calendar Debate: A Timeless Complaint
The lament over the packed tennis calendar is a recurring theme among players, often met with a mix of sympathy and frustration from observers. Clijsters, having served on the WTA council in the early 2000s, notes with a touch of weary familiarity, “Yes, it was exactly the same. Complaints about the calendar have been, are, and always will be.” This isn`t a new phenomenon; it`s a systemic challenge. Shortening the season, she explains, would necessitate a complete overhaul of the ranking and points system – a change many players, despite their vocal grievances, are unwilling to embrace.
There`s a subtle irony in players desiring more rest while simultaneously pursuing exhibition tournaments and lucrative appearances. Clijsters acknowledges the complex ecosystem: tournament organizers provide opportunities and increase prize money, fostering a dynamic environment. The reality, she argues, is that a uniform solution satisfying everyone is impossible. Later-season tournaments, often criticized, are vital for many players who don`t consistently reach the deep stages of major events. These provide crucial match play and earning potential that wouldn`t exist if the season were drastically condensed. Ultimately, Clijsters suggests, acceptance is key: the long calendar is simply “part of our sport.”
Kim Clijsters` perspective is a refreshing blend of grounded realism and deep passion for tennis. From her genuine interest in developing young talent to her pragmatic view on coaching, her inspiring comeback, and her seasoned take on the sport`s structural challenges, her insights offer a valuable lens through which to understand the evolving landscape of professional women`s tennis. Her legacy, it seems, continues to inspire, both on and off the court.
