New York, Sep 14 (DPA) Kim Clijsters capped her return to Grand Slam big stage after a two-year absence for marriage and motherhood, picking up where she left off at the US Open with a 2009 title to add to her 2005 trophy honours.
The first mother to win a major since Evonne Goolagong Cawley at Wimbledon in 1980, wept tears of joy as she buried her face in her towel after defeating Danish teenager Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 7-5.
She then climbed towards her box to kiss her family, husband, management and infant daughter Jada.
“We tried to plan her nap time a bit later today so she could be here,” said Clijsters, playing in only her third event since returning to the game in August. “It’s the greatest feeling in the world being a mother.”
Wozniacki, seeded ninth, was the first from her nation on either the men’s or women’s side to go this far at a Grand Slam.
Belgium’s wild card Clijsters, who placed runner-up in four majors before retiring in 2007 held off the youngster in just over 90 minutes.
The 26-year-old Clijsters entered the final having won 19 of her last 20 matches at Flushing Meadows. Her only defeat during that period at the venue came against now-retired Justine Henin.
The sets were in sharp contrast, with the 75-minute opener featuring 19 break points and the second much cleaner with just one break of serve — to Clijsters in the sixth game for a 4-2 lead.
The Belgian took advantage of her opportunity, advancing to victory four games later on her first match point. Clijsters backed it up with 36 winners, 26 more than her opponent.
Wozniacki, who met Clijsters three years ago in a Hong Kong exhibition, gave her thanks to Denmark in Danish and then spoke in Polish as well.
“It was incredible, Kim is such a great girl. I’m so excited that she came back. Unfortunately she beat me today with a great match. She deserves this trophy.”
Clijsters could barely express her emotions. “I don’t have words for this. I’m just glad I got chance to defend my title from 2005.
“This has been so exciting for me, it wasn’t in the plan. I just wanted to get back to the rhythm of playing tennis and get used to the surroundings again.
“Both of my titles mean a lot. Winning the first one helped me to hide my nerves a bit in the last few games this time.”
Since 2005, Clijsters has now won her last 14 matches at the Open.
On the way to the repeat title, Clijsters became one of only six players to have defeated both Williams sisters at the same tournament. She put out Venus in the fourth round and beat Serena in the semi-finals Saturday night.
rounak