Kim Clijsters in classy Wimbledon act amid retiring friend's farewell
The tennis great was involved in emotional scenes at Wimbledon.
Tennis fans have enjoyed a heartwarming moment involving Kim Clijsters who was on hand to congratulate retiring favourite Kirsten Flipkens following her final match at Wimbledon in the women's doubles. Flipkens retired from singles competition last year, but announced the 2023 Wimbledon Championship would be her final competitive match.
Unfortunately, Flipkens and Timea Babos loss in the round of 16 clash against Carolina Garcia and Luisa Stefani to put an end to a wonderful career. The 37-year-old was popular among the tour and was greeted by her opponents at the net in a wonderful moment.
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Her opponents granted Flipkens the middle of the court to farewell the crowd.
The fans cheered proudly for Flipkens as she went over to her team. And in a lovely moment, fellow Belgium star Clijsters approached Flipkens and the two enjoyed a warm embrace amid a warm applause.
Clijsters has often been seen in Flipkens' corner throughout her career as the two remain close friends since childhood. The duo have teamed up at a grand slam event for doubles and Clijsters even joined her coaching team back in 2012.
Fans were left swooning over Clijsters and Flipkens embracing after the match in emotional scenes for tennis fans.
There is a time of coming and there is a time of going, and the time of going has come 💜💚🎾 https://t.co/FWqfIFrLw8
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) July 10, 2023
kim clijsters was there and there was a big emotional hug! https://t.co/a6VwEmVahF
— lola (@silentlyitshome) July 10, 2023
Last match ever for @FlipperKF :') :') :') Good to see Kim Clijsters there for her goodbye https://t.co/xau4Drquca
— Lidia Rebel (@lidia_rebel) July 10, 2023
Flipkens announced her retirement from tennis before Wimbledon this year. "To answer the question I have been having the last few weeks. Yes, this will be my last tournament here at Wimbledon," she wrote.
"After saying goodbye last year here in singles, no better place on earth to say goodbye to the sport I love." Flipkens won the girls' singles title at Wimebledon back in 2003. Tennis stars such as Ons Jabuer and Alize Cornet were quick to praise Flipkens' influence on the sport.
Flipkens won a career singles title and reached a career-high World No.13 in 2013. She reached a Wimbledon semi-final and won seven doubles titles.
To answer to the question I have been having the last few days/weeks.. Yes, this will be my last tournament here @Wimbledon 💜💚 After saying goodbye last year here in singles, no better place on earth to say goodbye to the sport I love 🙏❤️ #grateful #2003 #2013 #2023
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) July 9, 2023
❤️❤️❤️❤️
— Alize Cornet (@alizecornet) July 10, 2023
Merci championne 🙏❤️
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) July 10, 2023
Thank you Judy 🙏😘
— Kirsten Flipkens (@FlipperKF) July 10, 2023
Kim Clijsters to team up with Martina Hingis at Wimbledon
Clijsters will also take to the court at Wimbledon as part of the invitational doubles tournament. And fans have become increasingly excited to see the four-time grand slam champion would team up with fellow legend Martina Hingis.
Hingis, who won five grand slam titles, returned to tennis in 2013 are retirement and continued on until 2017. The tennis icon will now return to the Ladies Invitational tournament for a run with Clijsters.
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