Three-time U.S. Open champion Kim Clijsters claimed her fourth Grand Slam title when she defeated Li Na in the 2011 Australian Open and became the first mother to be ranked No. 1. Injuries kept Clijsters out of most events in the rest of 2011, including Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, and the 28-year-old is limping into this year’s tournament with a hip injury.
Australian Open 2012, Kim Clijsters Discusses Injuries
2011 Australian Open Champion Kim Clijsters discussed her injuries as she prepares to defend her title.
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Clijsters discussed her injuries recently in London’s The Guardian:
“There have been many moments over the last year when I thought it was all over,” said Clijsters “These were the moments when I was disappointed and frustrated, when I got so low because it seemed all my hard work had been wasted. But the moments passed, and the motivation to go back to rehab was there again. I’ve worked really hard, but it’s definitely not been easy.”
Prior to winning last year’s tournament, Clijsters performed well in Melbourne. She was runner-up in 2004 and reached the semi-finals four times (2002, 2003, 2006, 2007). Clijsters will have a tough road to repeat as she’s in the same draw as No. 1 seed Caroline Wozniacki and Na.
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