Kim Clijsters Announces She Will Retire After U.S. Open

Former No. 1 women's tennis player Kim Clijsters has announced that this year's U.S. Open will be the final tournament of her career.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Clijsters had previously made it known that this would be her final year on the circuit, but she said today that she will be leaving the sport after the competition in Flushing Meadows.

Clijsters has won the U.S. Open three times in her career.

It's quite fitting that she has chosen to end her career after the tournament where she has prospered in the past. Clijsters said that the U.S. Open "is where I enjoyed my greatest triumphs and it is a very special place for me."

The 28-year-old Belgian star will be skipping the clay-court season due to a hip injury, but hopes to be ready for Wimbledon next month, as well as the London Olympics.

After retiring in 2007 because of a rash of injuries, Clijsters made a triumphant comeback in 2009, winning the U.S Open.

As of now, Clijsters boasts a 513-124 singles record since joining the pro circuit in August of 1997. She obtained a No. 1 ranking in August of 2003 and is currently ranked No. 44. She has notched 41 career WTA titles and won her latest Grand Slam singles title at the Australian open in 2011.

She is a three-time WTA Tour Champion and will be remembered for her speed and athleticism on the tennis court, as well as her powerful groundstrokes.