Three-time Grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters said her tennis continues to improve as her daughter Jada gets older, allowing the Belgian more time on the practice court.
The former world No. 1 claimed the 2009 U.S. Open just three weeks into her comeback to the game after a 2 ½-year retirement, during which she gave birth. She defended her title at Flushing Meadows in September, joined by Jada on centre court after both finals.
Now that Jada is almost three-years-old, and less dependent on her mother, Clijsters, 27, told media on Thursday she is getting more time to practice.
Clijsters said not having to worry so much about her daughter has afforded her more “me time,” which normally translates to court time.
“Tennis is something that I really enjoy and now there’s that balance between (juggling motherhood) and also having some time to yourself. “For me, my time for myself is when I can be out on court and really focus on playing tennis and trying to get in shape.”
“There were some tough times in the beginning,” Clijsters said of her return from retirement to marry and start a family with American basketballer Brian Lynch.
“But now, especially with the second (full) year starting to be on tour again, I feel every week it just becomes easier.”
Clijsters credits Jada and a broader perspective on life for her stunning resurgence. “In any girl’s life, having a child makes a big difference and it has been the same in mine,” Clijsters said. “You just have to search for that rhythm and balance.”
Clijsters can regain the top-ranking by winning both next week’s Sydney International and the Australian Open. “I don’t focus on that at all,” Clijsters said. “But I really want to peak at the important stages throughout the season and I guess if I do well in those matches and at those tournaments, the points will add on automatically.”
