The year 2003 was a memorable one for Kim Clijsters. She achieved one of the best feats of her career, reaching the top of the WTA rankings in both singles and doubles. As far as the singles game was concerned, although Serena Williams dominated the tournaments, Clijsters’ consistent performances earned her the top rank as the American legend didn’t participate in many tournaments because of an injury. However, the 4-time Grand Slam champion revealed dissatisfaction with her Number 1 ranking.

Clijsters was featured in the latest episode of the ‘Served with Andy Roddick’ podcast. During a conversation with Roddick, Clijsters reminisced about one of her best achievements in her career, which was climbing the top of the WTA rankings chart. However, she made a candid confession while talking about it.

Clijsters revealed, “I almost felt like not worthy. I feel like my first time because I had never like I hadn’t won a Grand Slam, you know, and like in the media to like the press conference. That’s all they were asking like do you feel like you’re worthy of like being number one because you know, especially Serena at the time like she wasn’t playing much but when she played like the big tournament, she would almost win everything right.”

Further, she went on to add, “I agree like she was definitely the better player the year that I became number one but okay, like I played more and I was more consistent in those tournaments but it is you know, that does you know the some of the comments from the media and do get into your head.”

Interestingly, Clijsters and Williams also had a strong on-court rivalry. They faced each other nine times, with the American legend prevailing in 7 meetings. Their rivalry was so intriguing that even the family members joined in and played some mind games.

When Serena Williams’ mother took a dig at Kim Clijsters

The 2011 Australian Open final saw Kim Clijsters take on Li Na of China in the summit clash. Before the big final, Williams’ mother, Oracene Price, checked out who featured in the final Down Under. However, on spotting that Clijsters was one of them, she took a sly dig at her while supporting her opponent, Li Na.

Price revealed, “I hope Na is not nervous to kick some b*tt.” Additionally, she also commented, “Let’s say I’m pulling for the other one. I dislike dubious people.” Interestingly, Serena Williams had skipped that edition because of injury. Despite her absence, Price didn’t keep calm and openly called out Clijsters.

However, those comments from Williams’ mother didn’t seem to affect Clijsters as she went on to win her match against Li Na. It was her maiden Australian Open title and her fourth major win overall.