Serena, Clijsters, Goolagong: A history of tennis’ successful mothers
In this record-breaking year, three mothers made the US Open quarter-final in singles – with one more in doubles. We look back at some other stars who made a comeback after motherhood.
Another former world No 1, Clijsters matched Court in winning three Grand Slam singles title after becoming a mother. After giving birth to Jada Elly Lynch in 2008, Clijsters announced her comeback and clinched the 2009 US Open as a wildcard, defeating Venus and Serena Williams on the way and won her second major against Caroline Wozniacki. She would add a US Open title in 2010 and win the Australian Open in 2011 before her second retirement in 2012. She returned to professional tennis in 2020. (Kim Clijsters at 2009 US Open, Panoramic)