‘Excited for This New Challenge’ – Kim Clijsters Elated After Taking a New Position at the International Tennis Hall of Fame

Former Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters earlier announced her retirement from tennis for the third time in her career. After her previous retirements in 2007 and 2012, she appeared in many tennis tournaments as an expert or as a commentator. Recently, she announced massive news on social media as she becomes the honorary president of the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF).

It is worth noting that Clijsters was inducted into the Hall of Fame back in 2017. So, it has been a massive honor for the former world no.1. to become the honorary president of the organization. Recently, she took to Twitter and expressed her feelings regarding the honor.

Kim Clijsters reacts after becoming the honorary president of the ITHF

Earlier, the 4-time Grand Slam champion, Clijsters took to Twitter and wrote, “Thank you. Excited for this new challenge. Looking forward to working with the team.“

“The International Tennis Hall of Fame does important, inspiring work through preservation efforts, impactful content, and celebrations… I look forward to helping the organization continue to grow and thrive, and to connecting tennis fans around the world with our sport’s incredible history,” she said earlier.

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Even though the Belgian retired from professional tennis, she still wants to be an integral part of the sport. As the honorary president, Clijsters will work closely with the staff of the ITHF to celebrate tennis’ history. Also, she will mostly work as an ambassador of ITHF.

It is worth mentioning that Clijsters is the first female and European to become the honorary president of the ITHF.

A look at Clijsters’ tennis career

In 1999, the former Belgian tennis player played her first WTA tournament and garnered the attention of many at the US Open. In 2005, she won her first Grand Slam title at the US Open and went on to win 2 more titles in New York.

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In 2011, she won her 4th Grand Slam title at the Australian Open. Before that, she announced her retirement from tennis in 2007. Then, she came back from retirement in 2009 and won three Grand Slam titles in her second stint. In 2012, she announced her second retirement from professional tennis due to various injuries.

Apart from 4 Grand Slam singles titles, she has won 2 Grand Slam doubles titles as well. In 2020, she came back from retirement for her third stint. However, this time, she found it difficult to match the physicality of the current generation. After failing to register a win after her comeback, she went through knee surgery. Finally, in April 2022, she announced her official retirement from tennis.