Kim Clijsters has taken over the World No. 1 ranking, as the new rankings will reflect when they come out on Monday.
Clijsters achieved the honor after defeating Jelena Dokic of Australia in the Quarterfinals, 6-0, 6-3 at the WTA Open GDF Suez in Paris, France. She will replace the current No. 1, Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark.
It has been 256 weeks since Clijsters’ last stretch at No. 1. That is the second longest in ATP or WTA history, beaten only by Serena Williams at 265 weeks.
“I’m very happy to be No. 1 again,” Clijsters said after collecting the trophy and a giant No. 1 made from flowers.
The 27-year-old Clijsters has held the top ranking three times before, but not since 2006, and for a total of only 19 weeks spread out over nearly three years. She retired in May 2007 before marrying U.S. basketball player Brian Lynch and giving birth to a daughter, Jada, in February 2008.
Since making her competitive return in August 2009, Clijsters has won three Grand Slam titles, and is the current champion at the U.S. and Australian Opens. Wozniacki is still chasing her first major.
“I’m older, a little more experienced,” Clijsters said. “I’m able to enjoy all the things that are happening now in a different way. I’m able to share it with a bigger group and with my team. That’s what I enjoy the most about this second career.”
