The Belgian tennis player Kim Clijsters, four times champion of Grand Slam tournaments, she obtained the wild card that will allow her participation in the Miami Open, which will be played from March 22, the organization of the event reported on Tuesday. “The Miami Open was always a favorite stop on the tour for me,” said Clijsters. “I have great memories and also had excellent results there. I am excited to return to Miami,” he said of the Florida city where he had victories in 2005 and 2010.
The former number one in the world returns like this after nine years of his last participation in this tournament, that the 2020 edition was skipped due to the pandemic. Clijsters will accompany the Japanese Naomi Osaka, winner in Melbourne recently, and the American Serena Williams, among other female figures. “We are very excited for Kim to return to Miami,” said James Blake, competition director. She recalled that after a hiatus, the Belgian returned to professional women's tennis in 2020. “She is a tremendous player and an even better person. Also, it is not often that you have the opportunity to see someone who has been included in the Hall of the City. International Tennis Fame to compete in an event of this level, “he added.
Miami, however, was left without one of its greatest attractions, the Swiss Roger Federer, but Serbian Novak Djokovic and Spaniard Rafael Nadal continue to sign up. Clijsters has won 41 career singles titles and 11 doubles titles, including four Grand Slam titles (the top four) singles and two titles in that doubles category. Clijsters is also a three-time WTA Finals champion (2002, 2003 and 2010) and a 2005 and 2010 women's singles Miami Open champion.
The tournament will take place between March 22 to April 4 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, with a reduced capacity due to the pandemic. Clijsters strengthens a field of players, including 20 players who have combined to win 97 career Grand Slam singles titles.