The Rafa Slam is out, and the Kim Slam is in. But even if Kim Clijsters fails to win four straight majors, there are three reasons why 2011 could be the Belgian's best year yet, even if it is possibly her last:
1. Winning a second Slam this year redefines her career. Clijsters has four Grand Slam singles titles but has never won more than one in the same season. That's not to say she hasn't dominated in stretches?she's won three of the past five majors she's entered. But never having won two Slams in the same season is an odd statistic for such a celebrated player. If Clijsters can snap that streak, she'll almost certainly finish the year ranked No. 1, another milestone that's eluded her (Clijsters ended 2003 and 2005 at No. 2).
Furthermore, each of the remaining majors offer something beyond the trophy. There's redemption at Roland Garros, where Clijsters finished runner-up in 2001 (she lost a 1-6, 6-4, 12-10 heartbreaker to Jennifer Capriati) and 2003 (she was routed 6-0, 6-4 by Justine Henin). There's immortality at Wimbledon, the jewel of the tennis calendar. And there's the rare chance to win three consecutive U.S. Opens, which hasn't been done by a woman since the 1970s (Chris Evert won four straight from 1975-78). For headline writers and Clijsters, any of these triumphs?let alone multiple?would be a dream.
2. Belgium is well-positioned in Fed Cup. Clijsters is no stranger to Fed Cup, owning a superb 24-4 overall record in the team competition (21-3 in singles). She helped her country win its first title in 2001, and it's quite possible that she may celebrate its 10-year anniversary with a second Cup run. 
It's been all smiles for Clijsters so far in 2011. (AP Photo)
Clijsters isn't the only Belgian playing at a high level?she has a strong supporting singles player in Yanina Wickmayer. She's no Henin, but maybe that's for the best, because the lasting memory of the Belgian Fed Cup team is of Henin withdrawing from the deciding doubles match in the 2006 final (with a legitimate injury, but still). Clijsters & co., who just shut out the United States in live-rubber play, can go a long way toward turning the page with a title this year. They face a beatable Czech Republic side on friendly home soil in the semis.
3. Her play isn't going unnoticed any longer. Clijsters has seemingly always been overshadowed. Early in her career she was passed by for compatriot Henin, who won more majors sooner; at the 2009 U.S. Open by Serena Williams, who stole the spotlight with her infamous outburst; and last season by Caroline Wozniacki, who finished higher in the rankings without reaching a Grand Slam final. But with Henin retired, Serena now a question mark and Wozniacki still Slam-less, the stars seem to be aligning for the 27-year-old to have, in essence, a breakthrough year. Better late than never.
The same could be said for the WTA, which has put on a strong front in recent years despite three underwhelming No. 1 women in Jelena Jankovic, Dinara Safina and Wozniacki. Even when its top draw, Serena, was healthy, that didn't necessarily mean she was playing. Clijsters, who is currently playing for the fifth consecutive week, is what the tour has been searching for all along: a capable and reliable leading lady. Her ascent couldn't have come at a better time. She's always had the game; now she's getting some well-deserved fame.
Originally published on ESPN.com.
Source: http://feeds.tennis.com/~r/tenniscom-features/~3/G6oeJiroFpA/
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