Clijsters enters French Open despite knee problem

Kim Clijsters said on Saturday she would definitely play in the grand slam tournament starting on Monday.

Published on: May 22, 2005, 24:15:00 IST

PTI | By Anonymous, Paris

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Former world number one Kim Clijsters, a doubtful starter for the French Open because of a knee injury, said on Saturday she would definitely play in the grand slam tournament starting on Monday.

The Belgian, a runner-up at Roland Garros in 2003 and 2001, strained ligaments in her right knee in a warm-up event and had feared she might have to miss the highlight of the claycourt season for the second successive year.

"I'll try to play a good match in the first round," said the 21-year-old, who is seeded 14th and will meet a qualifier in the opening round.

Her knee was taped for her practice session with France's Tatiana Golovin on Saturday.

"The last couple of days I've been building up my practice sessions," she said. "Today was the first time I actually played some points. I was still a little shaky.

"I have to be careful and look after my body really well. Then, hopefully, I can build up my game and try to feel comfortable.

"It's a challenge but I'm going to go for it."

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