Kim Clijsters completed her incredible return to tennis by beating Caroline Wozniacki 7-5 6-3 in the US Open final.
Belgian returns from retirement to win the US Open
Kim Clijsters completed her incredible return to tennis by beating Caroline Wozniacki 7-5 6-3 in the women's US Open final.
The Belgian returned to the sport in August after a 27-month retirement during which time she became a mother for the first time, with her daughter Jada in the crowd to watch the match.
Clijsters is the first mother to win a Grand Slam title since Evonne Goolagong beat Chris Evert to win Wimbledon in 1980 but she was made to work hard for her success by a gutsy display from Wozniacki.
There were seven breaks of serve in the opening set as a swirling wind played a major part in what at times was an error-strewn performance from both players, with Clijsters hitting 20 unforced errors and Wozniacki 15.
Advantage
Clijsters finally secured the advantage with a powerful forehand winner, one of many that the 26-year-old hit throughout the contest, to move ahead.
The second set was less dramatic but still featured plenty of unforced errors from both players and the wildcard secured the vital break to move 4-2 ahead with a clinical love game on the ninth's seed's serve.
Wozniacki continued to battle as the match neared its conclusion. However, there was no doubt that a second title at Flushing Meadows for Clijsters was going to be the story.
The former world one added to her 2005 triumph by sealing the 2009 crown with a powerful smash at the net after one hour and 33 minutes on court.
She told the New York crowd in the post-match cermony at Arthur Ashe Stadium that she hadn't expected to reclaim her women's singles title.
"I don't have words for this," Clijsters said afterwards. "This has been so exciting for me but not really our plan.
"It's been so exciting for me. I just wanted to get back to playing tennis.
"The support I've received has been crazy. Even from the first round, how warmly everyone welcomed and embraced me. It helped me keep fighting and stay focused."
Fairytale return
Clijsters was also delighted that an adjustment to her 18-month-old daughter's routine meant she was able to be a part of her triumph in the Big Apple.
"We tried to plan her naptime a bit later today so she could be here," she added.
"It is the greatest feeling in the world to be a mother and I can't wait for the next few weeks to get back in her routine."
Wozniacki, who was looking to win her first Grand Slam title, was quick to praise her opponent after the match.
"She's such a great girl. I'm so excited that she came back but unfortunatly she beat me today."
