(Tennis news) Kim Clijsters has played over five tournaments since making a comeback on tour after seven years. Comebacks aren’t new to her as she had retired in 2007 and then made a momentous comeback two years later which saw her win three Grand Slam titles. She played in the Indian Wells but lost in the first round to Kateřina Siniaková who is thirteen years her junior.

Clijsters last won a tour match nine years ago in 2012 at the US Open where she is a three time champion. She retired for a second time in 2012 after the US Open but made a comeback on tour last year at the Dubai Duty Free Championships. Although she was one of the best players on tour two decades ago, her career was constantly affected by injuries which made her miss many tournaments and was one of the main reasons for her early retirement from the game in 2007 at the age of 23.

Clijsters comeback to tennis is a proof of her love for the game and still playing on tour after being the mother of three children is not easy. Most of her opponents now were born when she turned professional on tour. The style of play will also be a change for Clijsters as she used to compete with Justine Henin and the Williams sisters in early 2000’s.

Clijsters last played the Indian Wells in 2011 where she reached the fourth round. She was the champion in 2003, 2005 defeating Lindsay Davenport in both the finals. She first played here twenty one years ago back when her opponent this year was only four years old. It is not sure which tournament she will play next but is definitely a lesson on longevity on tour for the young players who will be watching her play.

Clijsters is also a doubles Grand Slam winner as she won the French Open and Wimbledon in 2003. She played doubles after a nine year gap this year at Chicago partnering with Kirsten Flipkens who was her partner at the US Open in 2012 as well. Clijsters has repeatedly shown that age is not a barrier at the sport and injuries can hamper your form but not your spirit. She will soon again stir up an upset on tour, on one side the youngsters are keen to make a mark whereas on the other side the veterans are fighting their own battle.

Also read:  Kim Clijsters returning after a decade, Emma Raducanu keen to make a mark again at Indian Wells