Share

Clijsters makes winning return

s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands - Kim Clijsters made a winning return to action on Sunday, beating Switzerland's Romina Oprandi 6-7 (5/7), 6-2, 6-3 in the first round of the s-Hertogenbosch grass-court tournament.

Former world number one Clijsters, who hadn't played since March because of a right hip injury, was the champion in this pre-Wimbledon event in 2003.

She was beaten in the second round by Oprandi in 2011 - a match in which she suffered a right ankle injury that forced her to miss that summer's Wimbledon.

"It was very close today," said Clijsters.

"Oprandi is a difficult player. Fortunately I continued to fight and I stayed focused. The second and third sets went better and better."

The 28-year-old Belgian announced last month that she will retire after the US Open in September, but will play Wimbledon and the Olympics before bringing the curtain down on her career.

"I enjoy every match that I can play - it's going to be an important summer."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE