Kim Clijsters’ comeback will have to wait.
The Hall of Famer announced on Twitter she’s withdrawn from the Miami Open and Charleston as she continues rehab and recovery from right knee surgery last October.
The former world No. 1 in singles and doubles had a further setback after contracting COVID-19 in January. Clijsters, currently ranked No. 1055, said she’s not ready to return yet, but confirmed her commitment to coming back when she’s physically ready to play.
— Kim Clijsters (@Clijsterskim) March 14, 2021
“Results following surgery were good,” Clijsters wrote on Twitter. “Rehab and recovery went well and I was feeling really positive… While the [COVID-19] symptoms were mild, it did disrupt my training schedule. “Unfortunately I am not where I need to be, especially if I want to compete with the best.”
The 37-year-old Clijsters showed some flashes of solid form despite being limited to three matches in 2020: opening-round losses to Garbiñe Muguruza in Dubai, Johanna Konta in Monterrey and Ekaterina Alexandrova at the US Open.
Still, Clijsters said she will keep working toward a comeback.
“It’s disappointing and frustrating,” Clijsters wrote on Twitter. “I knew this was going to be hard when I started this journey – and there have been challenges that are out of my control. I’m not ready to quit…
“I’m going to keep pushing and see what’s possible.”
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships