The 2009 US Open Series officially began today at the Indianapolis Tennis Championships, and despite the depleted draw at the usually well-stacked tournament, and as an American, I could not be more excited for this part of the season. Maybe its the way the blue courts catch the shadows under the gleaming yellow lights, or the way the tournaments are cohesively connected by the ultimate pay raise and the culmination at the US Open. More than anything, though, this 2009 edition is most remarkable because of the return of its inaugural women's champion, Kim Clijsters. Which leads me to this: How have I not talked about her yet?!
Kim is my favorite tennis player of all time. Simple, clear and direct, she's one of the most unique players to ever compete on the WTA tour. Kim transcended the line between men's and women's tennis to become and influential and recognizable symbol of kindness, aestheticism and perseverance. Often considered the female counterpart of Roger Federer because of her kind demeanor, I always questioned the comparison. Roger was always kind in victory, but Kim was able to project a much more sunny disposition in the face of numerous, potentially career-ending injuries. Kim's ability to remain so positive despite such difficult circumstances is much more commendable.
Apart from her attitude, Kim possesses an incredibly enjoyable style of play, that encapsulates all that modern tennis achieves to be: Exciting, Dramatic, Stylish, Professional, Athletic, Powerful, and with an inspiring fight for every point. And now, Kim Clijsters is back! Beginning in my home town of Cincinnati, Kim will begin her comeback and I, for one, could not be more excited to experience the game of Kim Clijsters once again. I think she can easily regain top form and be a serious contender for this years 2009 US Open title. Kim Clijster's return injects an individuality that the women's game craves and a player that thinks, entertains and wins. There is a reason Kim has so many fans across the globe: she is a refreshingly kind, talented player in a modern generation of..um kind of the opposite. All I say (besides uh everything above this) is Welcome Back, Kim!
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