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7 January 2004
BRUSSELS – Number two seed Kim Clijsters bowed out of the Hopman Cup due to an ankle injury Wednesday, less than two weeks before the start of the Australian Open.
The Fleming was due to play her doubles match against fiancée Layton Hewitt but decided to forfeit the Belgium-Australia match, spelling the end of Belgium’s participation in the Perth round-robin tournament.
Clijsters retired while playing Alicia Molik, who was ahead 3-6, 7-6, 2-3 at the time and immediately underwent a precautionary scan of her ankle.
A Perth hospital confirmed Clijsters was suffering from bruising to the bone behind her ankle. Doctors prescribed rest, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory medication – the situation will be reassessed in two days.
Belgium suffered a 3-0 defeat against Australia with two forfeited matches and Lleyton Hewitt beating Xavier Malisse 3-6, 6-1, 6-2.
[Copyright Expatica News 2003]
Subject: Belgian news