Clijsters enjoys first visit to Hall of Fame with family

NEWPORT, R.I. — Kim Clijsters will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in front of the daughter that witnessed her win multiple Grand Slams. The Belgian was trailed in the museum on Friday by her husband Brian Lynch and their three children, nine-year-old Jada, three-year-old Jack and baby Blake.

"Jada understands a little bit, but for the two little ones it's a completely different life. They're used to me being at home," Clijsters told Baseline. "I go to the academy [in Belgium], but they didn't see this part of my life. It's nice to share this moment with my husband and the kids. They just think they're on vacation and mom has to give a speech on Saturday."

Clijsters won four Grand Slam titles—three of which came after she had her daughter Jada in 2008. A much smaller Jada famously toddled around Arthur Ashe Stadium after her mom's final wins in 2009 and '10.

Now, five years after retiring in 2012, Clijsters will gain the highest honor in the sport, Hall of Fame member.

"I've obviously seen a lot of the past inductees when I've seen the speeches, the interviews and documentaries, but to see the building, the grass courts and the museum, it's all sinking in now," Clijsters said. "You don't get the same feel for it when you just watch it on TV. As a tennis fan you have to witness this in person to kind of feel how important this place is."

(Photo: Kate Whitney Lucey)

Clijsters is well known for inspiring the sport in her home country, becoming just the third WTA player to win a Grand Slam after having children, and also, for reaching No. 1 in 2003 before winning her first major. It's a "fun fact" that the world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova certainly can relate to.

"It's all about consistency. I think Serena Williams was the one who won two Grand Slams already, but she wasn't playing a lot. It's all a matter of being consistent..." Clijsters said. "I was just proud at the end of the day when you can just check that off your list of the things you want to achieve."

Soon the 41-time WTA champion will have one more achievement to add to her list: Hall of Fame inductee.

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