Even winners can get wounded in a fight.
Given the fierce competition in the world of professional tennis, even the elite ones can succumb to the pressure at any given time. And Belgians Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin can certainly attest to that.
Two world champions with numerous titles between them, Clijsters and Henin wowed the WTA tour during their run at the top. And it seemed their respective reigns wouldn’t see their finish.
But alas, all good things come to an end—with Clijsters retiring three years ago, and Henin in 2008. Each worn down by the gruelling demands of elite tennis, an injury-plagued Clijsters walked away so she can heal up and start a family of her own, while Henin had simply had enough.
But all champions come back, one way or another. With their old competitive fire rekindled, the two announced their respective return to the pro circuit. The two players
The story of Clijsters couldn’t be sweeter. Few gave her a chance, but Clijsters clawed her way to the top of last year’s US Open.
Keen to continue her awe-inspiring story, Clijsters announced her surprise return to the delight of the fans who attended an exhibition event on Wimbledon’s Centre Court. Perhaps, the mere sight of the fabled grass court was enough to get Clijster’s competitive juices flowing.
"When the call came, I had something to work towards," she says. "I needed to get back into shape, to set a few goals. Then I discovered I was actually enjoying it," Clijsters told a Wimbledon Open website.
Her pleasure at playing tennis once again was reflected in her performance, as Clijsters reintroduced herself as one of the top competitors on the tour.
Henin, on the other hand, tells us of a bittersweet tale. Having won 42 WTA singles titles and seven Grand Slam singles titles, the only title that’s missing from Henin’s storied career is the Wimbledon title.
The Belgian surprised many when she announced her retirement while sitting at the very top of the rankings.
But Henin assured her supporters shortly that she felt no sadness about her retirement because she believed it was a release from a game she had focused on for twenty years. Well and good.
But the competitor in Henin clamored for the Wimbledon title.
Henin made her return to tennis early this year and impressed at the 2010 Brisbane International. Armed with a wild card, she went on to defeat No. 2 seed Nadia Petrova, Sesil Karatantcheva, No. 7 seed Melinda Czink and No. 3 seed Ana Ivanović to make it to the final.
Curiously, it was dubbed “The Battle of the Belgians,” as Henin faced off against compatriot Clijsters in the final. Although Henin lost, she put up quite a fight in a 2 hour, 23 minute match.
At the end of the match, both were applauded loudly, signalling the return of the two Belgian greats.
But there is still a lot to play for. A lot more is at stake. The Wimbledon is merely a few days away and Belgium has put its hopes on the shoulders of Henin and Clijsters. Having completed their respective comebacks, both former world number ones are now raring to go at it on the grass.
Will Henin make good of her statement that she will finally lift the Wimbledon title? Will Clijsters relive her old glory on the grass court?
So many questions, but there’s only one certain reality in this year’s Wimbledon Open, brace yourself—because the Belgians are back. And the best may have yet to come for Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters.
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