NEW YORK: Lleyton Hewitt described ex-fiance Kim Clijsters as one of tennis’ greatest players.
Clijsters, a four-time major winner who retired after her loss in the second round at the US Open this week, was once engaged to Hewitt, but they split in October 2004, just four months before they were due to marry following a five-year relationship.
“She has been a great player, one of the best in the women’s game,” said Hewitt, who is now married to actress Bec Cartwright.
“She should have won a lot more Slams probably than even the four she won. She easily could have won at Wimbledon. I think her game suited Wimbledon.
“Yeah, she has been one of the greats.”
The 31-year-old Hewitt, whose ranking has slipped to 125 in the world after his foot and groin problems kept him off the tour, has needed wildcards to enter all four Grand Slam events in 2012, but doesn’t plan on retiring any time soon.
“Andy obviously just felt like the time is right. Everyone is different… I sort of want to go out on my terms a little bit more,” said Hewitt. (AFP)
