Kim Clijsters is healthy and ready for the French
Open.
Clijsters claimed her seventh career title, upsetting top seed Venus
Williams of the United States at the Betty Barclay Cup.
Seeded second, Clijsters denied Williams her fifth title of the year, rallying
from one set down to post a 1-6 6-3 6-4 victory.
"She played so good in the first set but I just kept fighting and did the best
to raise my level," the Belgian said.
"I felt more confident as the games passed. I knew I had to be aggressive from
the first points on so I'm just so happy right now."
The 18-year-old Clijsters, who has struggled with injuries this year, avenged a
straight-set loss to Williams in the quarter-finals at the US Open.
Earlier this year, Clijsters withdrew in Memphis and Scottsdale due to a leg
injury.
Three weeks ago at Amelia Island she advanced to the semi-finals but retired in
the second set against Justine Henin with a stomach virus.
"I feel good and it's a good way to go into the French Open," Clijsters said.
"I also played well in my match during the Fed Cup so I hope it continues."
Despite the loss, Williams, a two-time champion of this event, will maintain
her number one world ranking for at least one more week.
"In the first set, I played great shots but it's difficult to keep going like
that," Williams said.
"Maybe I rushed a bit too much. Kim played great tennis. She served well and
moved well and was very determined."
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