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After retiring to dedicate her time to parenthood, Kim Clijsters plans to compete in professional tennis again in 2020.

“I feel like I’m too young to be retired and, with so many inspirational athletes and moms competing, I can’t wait to get back on the match court and see what’s possible after having three children,” said Clijsters, a former top-ranked WTA performer.

Clijsters, 36, is a four-time Grand Slam winner and former World No. 1. She said she began training for a comeback months ago and still isn’t there, but likes her rate of progress.



“These last few months have been tough,” she said. “But I feel like I’ve had more energy these last six months or so than I’ve had in the last two years, because I’m taking care of myself better. I’m not putting everything aside towards the children. Or I’m actually also giving myself some time, and it’s something that I kind of forgot about a little bit, you know?”

Clijsters did not announce an exact date for her return. Her last tournament was seven years ago, but she already knows she can win as a mom. She claimed the US Open in 2009 after the birth of her first child and won the tournament again in 2010, while also winning the Australian Open in 2011.

“Even if I don’t make it,” she said, “this whole process has been so worth it for me to get back into a good routine.”

–Field Level Media