Kim Clijsters has already achieved more in her second career than she or many observers thought possible. She has won three majors since returning in the middle of the 2009 season, having won one from her 11 appearances in major semi finals before her initial retirement.
This contentment might lead the world number two to devote her fully to the family life she established in her two-year break and there are other signs that the forthcoming Wimbledon could be her last.
Clijsters has already hinted that the 2011 season could be her last full year, with the 2012 Olympics a perfect tournament to sign off on next year. However, injuries and a loss of appetite might intervene before then and even those looking at the Wimbledon odds will wonder if she can make it through this year’s tournament.
Successful multiple slam winners and former number ones do not take kindly to slipping down the rankings, and whilst there is no sign the Belgian is about to, such was the ease she returned to the top, shock defeats like the one she suffered against Aranxta Rus at the French Open are bound to make her doubt the commitment she has to the game.
A run of niggling injuries disrupted Clijsters’ preparations for Roland Garros and the prospect of rehabilitation will not appeal to a senior player who frankly has better things to do. Winning the French Open, the scene of her worst heart breaks in her first career remains a big motivation, but the hunger to compete on tour might dissipate after Wimbledon, the other major yet to grace her large trophy cabinet.
