Can we have a real discussion about Kim Clijsters?

TagUrIt · Mar 3, 2020

I think most tennis fans are glad to see her back on the courts. However, despite all her accomplishments from years past, I think this game has past her by. I know her coming out of retirement brings a new spirit to the WTA, but quite frankly I think she’s setting herself up for a really tough year and possible injury. I watched her match against Konta and although her strokes, serves, etc are still VERY technically sound, her movement is just not there. Perhaps because she’s older or maybe because she not in the best shape. I was rooting for her as most were, but the reality is the new school of WTA players are just too much for her. I think she should find a good doubles partner and she’ll more success.

Bender · Mar 3, 2020

I think once she gets into match shape she might just be able to make an impact.

Tennis is a sport first and foremost (and a very athletic one too), so if you're not fit then your game will suffer.

Mainad · Mar 3, 2020

Much as I love Kim I think her return to the tour is a mistake precisely for the reasons you mentioned. I don't understand when a player has retired why they don't stay retired instead of trying to resurrect a long gone career. It rarely, if ever, works especially when it's been such a long time (coming up 8 years in Kim's case). She's had one of the best careers a player could ever have as her induction into the Hall of Fame proved. Rest on those laurels, Kim.

She should take up coaching or commentating if she wants to stay in tennis and maybe join the Seniors Tour if she still enjoys playing.

mahesh69a · Mar 3, 2020

If she is willing to put in the effort and get better fitness-wise, it will be great for the WTA.
That's a big if and only she can decide what she wants from her return - FO and W are needed to complete the grandslam set and its not easy even with the current state of the WTA.

Djokodalerer31 · Mar 3, 2020

Mainad said:
Much as I love Kim I think her return to the tour is a mistake precisely for the reasons you mentioned. I don't understand when a player has retired why they don't stay retired instead of trying to resurrect a long gone career. It rarely, if ever, works especially when it's been such a long time (coming up 8 years in Kim's case). She's had one of the best careers a player could ever have as her induction into the Hall of Fame proved. Rest on those laurels, Kim.

She should take up coaching or commentating if she wants to stay in tennis and maybe join the Seniors Tour if she still enjoys playing.

Kim must be a fan of Bjorn Borg's questionable career decisions...

Mainad · Mar 3, 2020

I'm with the Commissioner of Tennis on this one:

tonylg · Mar 4, 2020

Mainad said:
She should take up coaching or commentating if she wants to stay in tennis and maybe join the Seniors Tour if she still enjoys playing.

She should do whatever makes her happy .. even struggling to compete at WTA level, as much as her fans may not enjoy it.

Mainad said:
I'm with the Commissioner of Tennis on this one:

That is indeed hilarious.

speedysteve · Mar 4, 2020

It's something she needs to do.
To feel that level of competing again - not something many of us can understand.
It's her life - if it's hurting her or she can't get matches she will no doubt stop.
We can have our views - easy to pour derision on. The internet is great at that.

Go Kim!

Subway Tennis · Mar 4, 2020

Clijsters deserves the benefit of the doubt and at least 4-5 tournaments before we can really tell what her best comeback level is in terms of fitness.

The thing that didn't suprise me, is that a quality ball striker like Kim still matched up well in terms of power and hitting level against similarly gifted, and younger, big hitters.

We saw this before a few years ago with Mirjana Lučić-Baroni. Her game was developed in the "ancient" (

) generation immediately before Kim, and she made a comeback and could hang from the baseline with players 15 years her junior

Fedinkum · Mar 4, 2020

She took Konta to two close sets. Give her some time and she might have a few surprised wins.

tennisaddict · Mar 4, 2020

Give her time . It just takes a bit to shed those extra pounds . Serena is way better now compared to what she was

And Kim has 3 kids to Serena’s 1.

accidental · Mar 4, 2020

The weight isn’t just going to fall off after a few matches

She’s 36, and has already been playing full time for about 6 months

I predict she’ll have a couple of decent wins, maybe win a low level tournament, but she’ll eventually get injured trying to play her old style with her new weight and already battered, non match fit body.

She retired the first time back in 2008 because she couldn’t handle the grind any more and she was in way better shape and 12 years younger

zvelf · Mar 4, 2020

Aussie Darcy said:
Really not one to fat shame and it's still early days but she is not at all close to being at a professional athletes fitness level.

As you and I have said, her ground strokes are excellent but the movement and serve isn't there.

Kim actually served pretty well last night against Konta. Her aces were mostly what kept her from being broken even more. But her movement is really terrible. She simply could not chase after balls at all. She will have to lose at least 10% of her current weight to even start getting close to moving well. And she was making so many unforced errors, shots she would never miss in her prime. Granted, her comeback hasn't been helped by having to play 2 top 20 players. Maybe she will look much better playing someone ranked around 90.

James P · Mar 4, 2020

I think the question is, what's her ceiling in the comeback. Remains to be seen, but I think top 50, perhaps top 30, but probably not top 20 or better. She needs to get more matches in. She's only had an opportunity to play two top 20 players. Flashes of the old Kim, but still a bit of a shadow of her old self.

Phoenix1983 · Mar 4, 2020

No, sorry, we can't.

There a few things that it's simply impossible to have a real discussion about.

Like unicorns, the Loch Ness monster, the supposed merits of Taylor Swift's music....and of course, Kim Clijsters.

Jonesy · Mar 4, 2020

She looks good considering her circunstances, just like Serena.

SeeItHitIt · Mar 4, 2020

I watched the match. I’ve always liked her game, court demeanor and fact that she had a life outside of tennis. Glad to see her back. while she must have already shed some of the #’s associated with the last 7 years, she’ll be fodder until she drops another 15-20lbs. And then? She’ll likely become a tougher out than what Venus presents, which is to say can make a few rounds of 8 or quarters.

MeatTornado · Mar 4, 2020

I doubt she came back for legacy points. Maybe she just missed playing tennis. Could be as simple as that and she wanted one final go-round before she was 40 and too old to even try.

If she's having fun out there and is in a good place with her family life, then good for her.

UnderratedSlam · Mar 4, 2020

She won 8 games against the 2nd seed. Her first match?

Actually, this means she did really well. She could actually make something out of this comeback, which I didn't believe she could.

UnderratedSlam · Mar 4, 2020

I would really like to have another USO finale or semis between Clijsters and the Diva in which the Diva once again gets a game penalty for threatening line judges or for behaving like a jerk. That would be awesome.

upchuck · Mar 4, 2020

The hype around her reflects her popularity but also how much the tennis world hasn't moved past that golden age in women's tennis that produced so many great champions. No amount of novels about the beauty of today's unpredictability will distract from how much more gravitas the top women 19 years ago had compared to today.

My guess is we will see glimpses of greatness from her but the challenge for Clijsters will be sustaining her form from match to match, especially in majors.

Ronaldo · Mar 4, 2020

Was this just a Special Attraction one-off match between Jo and Kim to sell tickets?

kevaninho · Mar 4, 2020

She probably needs the cash and/or just misses competing. I don't think theres any other reason behind it.

Good luck to her.

D-Lite · Mar 4, 2020

She got injured before her initial comeback date, so perhaps there's been an element of possible limited fitness training involved, but of course to be hitting strokes like this she must have done plenty of court time too. Dubai was a few weeks ago so she's had even more time to practice tennis wise, but fitness wise I'm not so sure. From what I've read in ATP articles before, the players don't necessarily do large fitness training blocks in the gym mid-season, right? A lot of this is saved for the off season and during the season itself they do bits here and there where possible. I suppose cardio and resistance bands/mobility/flexibility etc are common mid-season. You'd have to have a pretty spot on diet and a hardcore exercise regime to shift the lbs. I'm not sure what her goals are for the clay season, maybe she will have a limited schedule there? Or perhaps she is hoping on gaining match fitness simply by playing and doing some other stuff on the sidelines.
I'd like to see her as a real threat on the tour, and I think if she gets more match play her experience will shine through a lot and make it really difficult for even some top players. I'm looking forward to the season ahead and hoping she doesn't get injured.

mbm0912 · Mar 4, 2020

Can Sabatini come back?

Ronaldo · Mar 4, 2020

mbm0912 said:
Can Sabatini come back?

Who?

norcal · Mar 4, 2020

Ronaldo said:
Who?

Didn't realize she had hooked up with Diego. Cute couple.

kevin qmto · Mar 4, 2020

I

Djokodalerer31 said:
Kim must be a fan of Bjorn Borg's questionable career decisions...

was about to bring up Borg’s comeback lol.

tennis tom · Mar 4, 2020

Caught a little of her match against Konta, she made it competitive. Sirena looked like a floundering sea lion at her first match post-baby but is moving better after losing weight and getting match tough. Kim could make it into the top 10 within a year as the pounds come off and the fitness improves--she still has her game--looking forward to Kim giving the youngins some lessons and a run for their money!

mbm0912 · Mar 4, 2020

tennis tom said:
Caught a little of her match against Konta, she made it competitive. Sirena looked like a floundering sea lion at her first match post-baby but is moving better after losing weight and getting match tough. Kim could make it into the top 10 within a year as the pounds come off and the fitness improves--she still has her game--looking forward to Kim giving the youngins some lessons and a run for their money!

sound like a children's book: "Sirena the Floundering Sea Lion"

"Sea Cow" would work better though.

Pheasant · Mar 4, 2020

The game has not passed Clijsters. Clijsters was able to trade bomb shots with Serena at the 2009 USO. I think that's why Serena snapped. Serena was serving 120 mph, yet Clijsters won over 45% of her return points. It was truly incredible.

However, Clijsters has dropped about 10 levels. Nobody can make a comeback after having 3 kids, taking 7 years off, while being 36 years old. Any wins for her against a top-100 opponent would be incredible.

3virgul14 · Mar 4, 2020

I've seen her against Muguruza in her first comeback match and if you ask me she just needed little more match practice and little more speed to outclass last Aus Open champ.

Women tennis will let her win couple of more titles this year if she can run injury free.

sureshs · Mar 4, 2020

She needs to slim down

tennis tom · Mar 4, 2020

sureshs said:
She needs to slim down

Yes--but don't almost all of us!--and, she will if she stays with the program. It will be the best thing for her mindbody--she is a great example for the women's game, you can have children and play top 10-100 tennis too--I'm rooten' for Kim!

Sudacafan · Mar 4, 2020

Any serious discussion begins with achieving a competitive shape.
That Serena could have got away with it does not mean that everyone can.

TennisLBC · Mar 4, 2020

Ronaldo said:
Who?

On a totally unrelated note: Ms. Sabatini will be 50 this year.
That is all.

Ronaldo · Mar 4, 2020

TennisLBC said:
On a totally unrelated note: Ms. Sabatini will be 50 this year.
That is all.

Maybe she should train those youngsters like Kim and Serena

skaj · Mar 4, 2020

TagUrIt said:
I think most tennis fans are glad to see her back on the courts. However, despite all her accomplishments from years past, I think this game has past her by. I know her coming out of retirement brings a new spirit to the WTA, but quite frankly I think she’s setting herself up for a really tough year and possible injury. I watched her match against Konta and although her strokes, serves, etc are still VERY technically sound, her movement is just not there. Perhaps because she’s older or maybe because she not in the best shape. I was rooting for her as most were, but the reality is the new school of WTA players are just too much for her. I think she should find a good doubles partner and she’ll more success.

She is obviously not in the best shape. Just one look at her is enough to realize that, and when you see her play, move it's even more obvious. I hope she loses some weight and becomes fitter soon.

skaj · Mar 4, 2020

Mainad said:
Much as I love Kim I think her return to the tour is a mistake precisely for the reasons you mentioned. I don't understand when a player has retired why they don't stay retired instead of trying to resurrect a long gone career. It rarely, if ever, works especially when it's been such a long time (coming up 8 years in Kim's case). She's had one of the best careers a player could ever have as her induction into the Hall of Fame proved. Rest on those laurels, Kim.

She should take up coaching or commentating if she wants to stay in tennis and maybe join the Seniors Tour if she still enjoys playing.

If she enjoys it, I don't see a problem there. Also, I personally prefer watching her play than 90% of the today's field, even when she is overweight and unfit.

Ronaldo · Mar 4, 2020

Any obstacle to Kim playing league tennis? Unfit for singles, hide her in dubs

sureshs · Mar 4, 2020

tennis tom said:
Yes--but don't almost all of us!--and, she will if she stays with the program. It will be the best thing for her mindbody--she is a great example for the women's game, you can have children and play top 10-100 tennis too--I'm rooten' for Kim!

Women have hormonal issues too - simple food control is not enough.

nolefam_2024 · Mar 4, 2020

Let her play if she wants to. Even if she injures herself, she will be able to take care of it. She is not coming back for winning slams but for passion of the game.

Ronaldo · Mar 4, 2020

nachiket nolefam said:
Let her play if she wants to. Even if she injures herself, she will be able to take care of it. She is not coming back for winning slams but for passion of the game.

Hey! Kim has kids to feed!

TagUrIt · Mar 4, 2020

skaj said:
If she enjoys it, I don't see a problem there. Also, I personally prefer watching her play than 90% of the today's field, even when she is overweight and unfit.

90%? Really? Do you consider yourself to be a WTA fan? There are tons of talented ranked and qualifiers that put on VERY good matches. I even enjoy watching WTA matches even when my favorite players aren’t on.

Ronaldo said:
Any obstacle to Kim playing league tennis? Unfit for singles, hide her in dubs

That’s what I suggested. I think she would do well at doubles

nolefam_2024 · Mar 4, 2020

Ronaldo said:
Hey! Kim has kids to feed!

She is not a daily wage worker. They must be taken care already before she made comeback.

skaj · Mar 5, 2020

TagUrIt said:
90%? Really? Do you consider yourself to be a WTA fan? There are tons of talented ranked and qualifiers that put on VERY good matches. I even enjoy watching WTA matches even when my favorite players aren’t on.

That’s what I suggested. I think she would do well at doubles

Not anymore. Almost every player is playing the same game. Same strokes, same (lack of)moves, same "tactics"... not my cup of tea.

tennis tom · Mar 5, 2020

skaj said:
Not anymore. Almost every player is playing the same game. Same strokes, same (lack of)moves, same "tactics"... not my cup of tea.

Agreed, mostly senseless ball bashing from the baseline until someone misses. Mediocre serves, little style, almost all have 2hbh's, no approaches, allergic to the net. Blame the coaches or those who hired them for not teaching fundamentals, like how to serve, how to volley, a one handed bh, etc., etc.,--but watching Cornet versus Giorgi from Lyon is easy on the eyes.

accidental · Mar 5, 2020

Heather Robson beat Clijsters in her last match before this comeback

I’m more interested in a Heather Robson comeback tbh

Hurting Elbow · Sep 3, 2020

SeeItHitIt said:
I watched the match. I’ve always liked her game, court demeanor and fact that she had a life outside of tennis. Glad to see her back. while she must have already shed some of the #’s associated with the last 7 years, she’ll be fodder until she drops another 15-20lbs. And then? She’ll likely become a tougher out than what Venus presents, which is to say can make a few rounds of 8 or quarters.

Out early at the Open

TagUrIt said:
I think most tennis fans are glad to see her back on the courts. However, despite all her accomplishments from years past, I think this game has past her by. I know her coming out of retirement brings a new spirit to the WTA, but quite frankly I think she’s setting herself up for a really tough year and possible injury. I watched her match against Konta and although her strokes, serves, etc are still VERY technically sound, her movement is just not there. Perhaps because she’s older or maybe because she not in the best shape. I was rooting for her as most were, but the reality is the new school of WTA players are just too much for her. I think she should find a good doubles partner and she’ll more success.

Although going three tough sets against the #21 seed, Kim is out in the first round at the US Open. She wore a new independant line that included a black 3/4-sleeve shirt (that looked heavy) which put her at a disadvantage IMO when her opponent was wearing a tank top outfit. Not sure if her weight is the reason she didn't wear her traditional Fila cap sleeve or not but I don't think is fitting an XL. I was in the same boat.

Deleted member 770948 · Sep 3, 2020

Its not illegal for her to play, so I don't see a problem.
She clearly is good enough to play grand slam matches.

Can we have a real discussion about Kim Clijsters?

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