Few names resonate in the world of tennis with the same blend of power, grace, and grounded authenticity as Kim Clijsters. The four-time Grand Slam champion, celebrated for her formidable game and her remarkable return to the tour as a mother, recently offered a refreshing perspective on the sport she loves. From nurturing emerging talent to candidly dissecting the perennial gripes about the tour calendar, Clijsters provides insights that are both deeply personal and universally relevant to the professional tennis ecosystem.
Mentoring the Next Chapter: A Familiar Face on the Horizon
Even away from the relentless grind of professional competition, Clijsters maintains a keen eye on the future of women`s tennis. Her connection isn`t merely observational; it`s active. She reveals a particular interest in Yelyzaveta Vandromme, a 17-year-old prodigy from Clijsters` own academy who recently clinched the Junior US Open title. “I`ve known her since she was six or seven,” Clijsters shared, highlighting a relationship that transcends mere coaching. Vandromme`s journey is one she`s been a part of from its nascent stages, a testament to Clijsters` enduring commitment to the sport`s development.
This hands-on approach through her academy underscores a different kind of championship—the cultivation of future stars. It`s a role that leverages her vast experience, offering guidance without the immediate pressures of the main tour.
The Allure of Coaching: A Path Less Traveled, For Now
The question of Clijsters transitioning to a coaching role for a professional player is a frequent one, and understandably so. With her tactical brilliance and competitive spirit, many would see her as an ideal mentor. Clijsters admits to having considered it, even receiving intriguing offers. Yet, the realities of such a demanding role quickly temper the appeal.
“To be a good coach, you need to spend at least 15-20 weeks a year with the player,” she explains, emphasizing the necessity of personal contact and deep understanding over remote communication.
Her commitment to her young family, particularly her youngest child who is not yet nine, remains paramount. The extensive travel required for a full-time coaching gig is a non-starter. It`s a pragmatic stance that reflects a choice many former athletes face: balancing professional passion with personal priorities. The romantic notion of a return to the tour, albeit in a different capacity, gives way to the grounded reality of family life—a reality she embraces with a laugh.
The Motherhood Comeback: Debunking the “Secret”
Perhaps one of the most iconic chapters in Clijsters` career was her astonishing return to tennis after becoming a mother, winning three Grand Slam titles. When asked about the “secret” to this unprecedented success, her answer is refreshingly simple: there wasn`t one.
Her initial retirement wasn`t a strategic pause but a genuine step away from what she candidly referred to as the “circus” surrounding professional tennis. She loved playing, but found the environment off-putting. The catalyst for her return was an unexpected invitation from Wimbledon to play an exhibition match after her father`s passing, pitting her against legends like Steffi Graf and Andre Agassi. This seemingly casual invitation, received as an official letter with a wax seal, sparked something within her.
Training “just for fun” while still breastfeeding, Clijsters rediscovered a profound competitive drive. It wasn`t about competing against others initially, but against herself—a desire that grew exponentially. Her coach, Sam, played a pivotal role, understanding her form before and after pregnancy. Reflecting on her return, Clijsters humorously noted how motherhood streamlined her approach to time:
“I couldn`t understand what I used to do with all my free time before,” she quipped. “Movies, maybe?”
Traveling with her daughter, Jada, transformed the tour experience into a “special adventure,” proving that professional excellence and family life aren`t mutually exclusive, but rather, can enrich each other.
The Unending Calendar Debate: A Timeless Tennis Tango
The topic of the professional tennis calendar and player complaints about its demanding nature is as old as the sport itself. Clijsters, having served on the WTA board from 2003-2004, has a distinct sense of déjà vu when this subject arises. “Complaints about the calendar have been, are, and always will be there,” she asserts, highlighting the cyclical nature of this discussion.
She points out the inherent paradox: while players vocalize dissatisfaction, many are also unwilling to accept the necessary structural changes—like altering the ranking system—that would be required to genuinely shorten the season. Furthermore, the allure of lucrative exhibition matches often clashes with calls for fewer tournaments.
Clijsters views it as a “no-win situation” where tournament organizers strive to improve conditions and prize money. She pragmatically argues that some tournaments, particularly those later in the year, are vital. Not every player reaches Grand Slam finals; many exit in early rounds, requiring more opportunities to play and earn throughout the season.
“You just have to understand that a long calendar is part of our sport and come to terms with it,” is her definitive advice.
It`s a seasoned perspective, acknowledging the grind while advocating for a realistic acceptance of the sport`s fundamental structure.
Clijsters` Enduring Wisdom
From the precise technique on court to the nuanced understanding of the game`s broader ecosystem, Kim Clijsters remains a voice of clarity and experience. Her recent reflections offer a valuable glimpse into the world of professional tennis through the eyes of someone who has not only conquered its highest peaks but also understood its complexities with a refreshing blend of frankness and affection. Her journey continues to inspire, not just through her historic achievements, but through her ongoing commitment to the sport`s past, present, and future.
Marcus Blakely 
Gilbert Pendleton