Kim Clijsters
As is to be expected, I was quite hooked on the U.S. Open. While my love of tennis and cheering on my favorite players was enough of a reason to watch, this time there was another one as well. The 2012 U.S. Open was the last tournament for Kim Clijsters before her retirement. When the tournament began I was really hoping she would win the women’s singles title again. Sadly, Ms. Clijsters lost in the second round. As she is one of only two female tennis players I seek out to watch, it is sad to see her go. I have great respect for Ms. Clijsters and I wish her the best.
This is the second retirement for Ms. Clijsters. When she came back from her first retirement I did not really know who she was. Her name was familiar, but as I have said before, I mostly pay attention to the men’s side of the draw. When Ms. Clijsters returned, that quickly changed. I watched as she won her first Grand Slam out of retirement as well as two more while earning the number one ranking before she retired again. For some this would be enough to become a fan. Not me. What I admire most about Ms. Clijsters (and I say admire because I refuse to speak about her as though she has died as the commentators do) is Ms. Clijsters herself. She seems like an extremely nice person who plays the game fairly without the goal of hurting anyone or mind games. It is about sport, pure and simple. That can be hard to find some days, and I appreciate that Ms. Clijsters consistently proved it is possible.
Another thing Ms. Clijsters proved is that being a mother does not mean you have to stop achieving. Ms. Clijsters retired the first time in order to start a family. When she came back with a wonderful, supportive husband and young daughter, people doubted that a mother could ever win anything. Nearly immediately she proved these people wrong. Sadly, despite her accomplishments, it was continued to be questioned how dare a mother be successful in sport until the day of her retirement. Instead of becoming angry, Ms. Clijsters dealt with the inane questions with grace and respect. She kept her positive attitude and continued to be herself despite those who said she should not have the success she rightfully earned.
It is nice to see a woman succeed and achieve in everything she wants despite people telling her she cannot. I hope the world takes note that having a child does not mean a woman’s identity and goals are over. A woman can be a fantastic mother, excellent wife, successful in what she strives to do, and her own person. Ms. Clijsters has proven that.
This is the second retirement for Ms. Clijsters. When she came back from her first retirement I did not really know who she was. Her name was familiar, but as I have said before, I mostly pay attention to the men’s side of the draw. When Ms. Clijsters returned, that quickly changed. I watched as she won her first Grand Slam out of retirement as well as two more while earning the number one ranking before she retired again. For some this would be enough to become a fan. Not me. What I admire most about Ms. Clijsters (and I say admire because I refuse to speak about her as though she has died as the commentators do) is Ms. Clijsters herself. She seems like an extremely nice person who plays the game fairly without the goal of hurting anyone or mind games. It is about sport, pure and simple. That can be hard to find some days, and I appreciate that Ms. Clijsters consistently proved it is possible.
Another thing Ms. Clijsters proved is that being a mother does not mean you have to stop achieving. Ms. Clijsters retired the first time in order to start a family. When she came back with a wonderful, supportive husband and young daughter, people doubted that a mother could ever win anything. Nearly immediately she proved these people wrong. Sadly, despite her accomplishments, it was continued to be questioned how dare a mother be successful in sport until the day of her retirement. Instead of becoming angry, Ms. Clijsters dealt with the inane questions with grace and respect. She kept her positive attitude and continued to be herself despite those who said she should not have the success she rightfully earned.
It is nice to see a woman succeed and achieve in everything she wants despite people telling her she cannot. I hope the world takes note that having a child does not mean a woman’s identity and goals are over. A woman can be a fantastic mother, excellent wife, successful in what she strives to do, and her own person. Ms. Clijsters has proven that.
Thank you, Kim Clijsters. Not only were you a great tennis player, but you are a good person and great example for everyone. You will be missed on the court. I wish you well.
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