‘She Knew That She Wasn’t Ready’ – Serena Williams’ Fierce Opponent, Who Brought Out the Worst in Her Once, Re-Lives Her Emotional US Open Farewell

Serena Williams bid farewell to tennis after the US Open, but she is still receiving plaudits for her career, both from fans and former rivals. And that is the kind of legacy she has left behind. The former world no.1 Kim Clijsters, talked about Williams’ unwavering resilience even when she could not play her best. Williams set an example of loving something so ardently that you just end up being the best in it.

Tennis might just be a sport for others, but for Serena Williams, it has been her life for almost three decades. Her lessons, struggles, and achievements have all come through this astounding sport.

Kim Clijsters talks about the retirement of Serena Williams

The four-time Grand Slam champion, the Belgian tennis legend Kim Clijsters, recently talked about the legacy left behind by Serena Williams. Talking about the 23-time Grand Slam champion’s retirement, she said, “She knew that she wasn’t ready. She probably knows it but she wants to start somewhere.” Furthermore, she talked about her feelings and said, “If she knew that it was going to be her last few months on tour, she wants to win Wimbledon.”

Tennis – U.S. Open – Flushing Meadows, New York, United States – August 29, 2022 Serena Williams of the U.S. in action during her first round match against Montenegro’s Danka Kovinic REUTERS/Mike Segar

Clijsters commended the quality of Williams’ performance during the US Open. She said, “But the way she was able to elevate her game in those next few weeks, grow, and absorb whatever was thrown at her. The attention of the farewell, the vogue article, everything was focused on that.” She also said, “It’s not easy to deal with when all of a sudden the whole attention is on you and I am sure, she uses it as motivation and she has such a great team of people around her.”

She detailed her experience of watching Williams play in the Arthur Ashe Stadium. Former world no.1 said, “I saw her win her first match, saw her win her second match.” Clijsters concluded by saying, “So it’s absolutely amazing how she was able to play some of her best tennis. I loved seeing her passion come out, the fight, even when she wasn’t playing her best but the fight and the battle.”

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Williams and Clijsters faced each other on the court nine times where the 23-time Grand Slam champion came out victorious in seven of those occasions. However, the rivalry did not stop Clijsters from praising the tennis star.

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