Expatica news

Wrist injury ends Clijsters’ US Open hopes

18 August 2006

BRUSSELS — Kim Clijsters’ wrist injury has denied her the chance to defend her US Open title later this month.

The Belgian tennis ace was forced to pull out of the Rogers Cup event in Montreal on Wednesday after damaging her wrist as she led Stephanie Dubois 6-1 2-3.

But an MRI scan on Thursday revealed the tennis world number two could be sidelined for at least two months, which would also mean Clijsters would miss the Fed Cup final against Italy.

“The injury to the (left) wrist that occurred in the Montreal tournament seems more serious than thought,” a statement on Clijsters’ website said.

“Because of the injury, Kim will not be able to play in the next few weeks (probably two months out of action) and will therefore have to withdraw from the tournaments she was supposed to play.”

The Belgian added: “I am completely disillusioned. I will definitely not play any tennis next week and will most likely be out of action for the following two months”.

Clijsters, 23, battled back from a career-threatening wrist injury last year. She has won more than USD 14 million and 23 singles titles in her career.

She missed most of the 2004 season after hurting her left wrist and having surgery on it in June of that year.

Clijsters has dealt with assorted ankle, knee and back problems, too, and points to her health problems as a reason that she plans to retire in 2007.

[Copyright Expatica News 2006]

Subject: Belgian news