In the second most anticipated return of the summer (next to Nadal), former U.S. Open Champ Kim Clijsters won her first singles match in two years beating Marion Bartoli 6-4, 6-3 in Cincinnati.
What does this mean all mean for the WTA? On the positive side, it means that one of the most well known players is back and should easily find herself back in the top 20 should she wish to train and compete hard. The WTA really does need a few more “star” players to make up for all the relative newcomers to the top 10 that right now most casual fans could care less about.
On the “negative” side, Clijsters’ win proves that the women’s game is not that deep once you get past the Williams sisters, Safina, Dementieva, and a few others. Lindsey Davenport came back from having her first child last year and found herself back in the top 40 with relative ease.
Can Clijsters win another Slam? Who knows. But let’s hope she sticks around to keep things interesting.
Adjusting the Net 