[情報] Appelmans backs Clijsters' claim
Last Updated: Tuesday, 12 August, 2003, 05:28 GMT 06:28 UK
Appelmans backs Clijsters' claim
By Simon Austin
Former Belgian tennis star Sabine Appelmans has defended Kim Clijsters' credentials as the new world number one.
Clijsters replaced Serena Williams at the top of the rankings after beating Lindsay Davenport in the final of the JPMorgan Chase Open on Sunday.
The 20-year-old is the first number one never to have won a Grand Slam singles title, whereas Serena has claimed six, including this year's Australian Open and Wimbledon crowns.
Indeed Serena, whose season has been severely disrupted by injury, has lost only three singles matches this year.
Yet Appelmans, a former top-20 ranked player who won a WTA doubles title with Clijsters before retiring in 2001, argues her compatriot deserves her place at the top.
"Kim is a very worthy number one player," said Appelmans, 31, who now works as a commentator on Belgian television.
"She has played a lot of tournaments this year and has got to at least the semis in every one. She's also played many more tournaments than Serena.
"Technically, tactically and in terms of speed around the court, Kim is probably a better all-round player than Serena.
"Serena has the strength but I think Kim is the better player."
With Serena out of action because of a knee injury and her sister Venus lacking match fitness following an abdominal tear, Clijsters has an excellent opportunity to break her Grand Slam duck at the US Open.
"Winning a Grand Slam title is the next step for her [Clijsters]," admits Appelmans.
"And with Serena out and Venus lacking match practice, she has a great chance. She and Justine Henin-Hardenne will be the favourites for the title."
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