Mike Tyson vs Jake Paul, mildly put, was a lop-sided affair. The anticipated boxing match flipped the tables for every fan and viewer out there when Paul won the contest by a unanimous decision. However, the battle brought the American boxing legend back in the ring, enriching the world with his much-missed action sequels that largely dominated the heavyweight boxing scenario in the late 80s. Notably, one of those admires, is former WTA star Kim Clijsters.

The showdown that opened doors to spectators on November 15 was streamed live exclusively on Netflix. While fans gripped to witness possibly the most-awaited boxing match in modern history, Belgian star Clijsters took to her official social media handle to reveal why the match held such a significant importance to her. To much amazement, the 41-year-old took pride in revealing how her dad’s craze for the boxing legend shaped her appreciation for Tyson.

In an Instagram story, Clijsters narrated a chucklesome time-lapse wherein she described how her childhood ran circles around Tyson’s legacy – all because of her father. “Hours upon hours, I heard my dad talk about Mike Tyson when I was younger. He used to get up in the middle of the night to watch him fight and he would make me wake up and make me watch it with him (or watch the replay).”

Later, the Belgian former pro lauded Tyson’s comeback and expressed taking delight in watching him once again, helping her relive her childhood memories. “Absolutely loved being able to see him fight again. Thank you.” For those unaware, Clijsters’ last tour-level title came in the form of a Grand Slam triumph. Seven years after losing the Melbourne summit clash, the veteran decorated her resume with the 2011 Australian Open crown.

Although she retired for the second time in 2012, Clijsters’ love for the sport has always kept her at a hand distance. While she often provides her candid advice for women players, the Belgian star made a noteworthy admission after bagging the US Open, two years after she had retired.

Kim Clijsters expressed feeling “great” after surprise US Open victory

Belgian superstar Kim Clijsters took tennis world aback by her success in New York. Well, largely because she came back to sport two years after she retired in 2007 and did so after being granted a wildcard entry into the event. After overpowering Caroline Wozniacki, the 41-year-old opened up about her experience and thanked the UTSA for granting her a wildcard. This was her second US Open title.

She said, “I don’t have words for this. I’m just glad I got to come back and defend my title from 2005. It’s so exciting for me. I have to thank the USTA for giving me the wild card to come back here. Just coming back here meant so much to me and seeing how warm everybody welcomed me and embraced me, just to be back was a great feeling. It helped me to keep fighting and stay focused out there. Especially in the last few matches where the opponents became a lot more tougher.”

She initially retired in 2007 but later, walked away from the sport twice in 2012 and 2022. Her last appearance on the WTA came at the Indian Wells Masters in 2021, where she was sent packing in the opening round.