The return of Kim
The return of Kim Clijsters is only good news. Her return could be the most successful since Jennifer Capriati’s because of her age, her fantastic natural athletic ability and her modern game.

Kimmy, tennis and childbirth
Often women are stronger after childbirth and she will also have a mature perspective of tennis, something which may help her handle the pressure in big matches better than before when she was prone to ‘choking’ a few Grand Slam finals, possibly because tennis was the most important thing in her life. Fitness will not be an issue. She is smart and with her athletic genes and hard work she will return stronger than ever.

On Kim’s body
I believe she needs to give up her trademark ‘splits’ on the forehand and replace this with a power step (see www.jezgreen.com). Although spectacular, her splits place enormous strain on hips, knees and shoulders since the body does not get behind the ball to support the fast swinging arm. It is an educated guess, but my gut tells me her injury problems could easily have stemmed from this move.

On her potential
I’m fascinated by her return because she has the power and athletic prowess to mix it with the Williams sisters and also the personality to stand up and be counted on court. The tough part is getting match tight and confident with her game at the highest level.

In conclusion
I think she will be a star again and win another Slam. Martina Hingis did not change her game or her physique. She had a golden opportunity to come back strong, a heavier hitter with a good serve. Even so, she was successful and so was Lindsay Davenport who was much older and certainly not as athletic. Expect Kim to do very well.

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