Kim Clijsters has revealed she will limit her schedule next year to just sixteen tournaments.
Clijsters has made it clear that her family is her priority and her competitive career will revolve round them rather than the other way round. "It takes a lot more planning than a few years ago. For a tennis player I don't think it's that busy. I've taken out a lot of tournaments that I used to play when I wasn't a mother. We have to see how it will work out as a family. Things have to remain fun for Jada.”
Having reached the pinnacle of the world rankings in her previous career, that is no longer a driving force for Clijsters and so she doesn’t need to compete as much as other players vying for the top spot. Clijsters’main goals are more slam titles and having reached the final before at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, she will be keen to go one better.
The news this week has been swamped by Justine Henin’s imminent comeback. It’s great news for fans of the game but it will make Clijsters’ quest for more glory a lot harder. Despite both being Belgian, Henin and Clijsters have never been the best of friends.
When quizzed on her compatriot’s return Clijsters simply replied “It doesn’t matter all that much to be. I’m sure she will produce great tennis.”
She told her website, “I think Justine’s return is good for women’s tennis but even better for Belgian tennis.”
Clijsters plans to play the Fed Cup next year and if Henin elects to join her, Belgium will have the most imposing team in the competition.
