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Clijsters: Three Tennis Life Lessons


Kim Clijsters knows a bit about multi-tasking.

Clijsters is one of only six women to hold the world No. 1 ranking in singles and doubles simultaneously.

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During her induction speech at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, the four-time Grand Slam champion summed up the life lessons she’s learned from tennis in three words: Optimism, dedication and passion.

“The first is optimism,” Clijsters said. “That is having the right attitude. As you deal with adversity and negative moments, it's important to stay positive. I'm not just talking about tennis, but in life overall.

“The second is dedication, taking the time to really devote yourself to whatever you want to accomplish, fitness, mentally being ready, all the extra effort that it takes to succeed. That has been very important to me as well."

Clijsters and husband Brian Lynch are parents to three children: nine-year-old Jada, three-year-old Jack and baby Blake.

Clijsters, who spends time coaching at her academy, said the power of passion is the most important lesson she's learned from the sport.


“Finally, but most importantly, comes passion," Clijsters said. "You can be optimistic, you can be dedicated, but most of all you have to bring that special energy and desire to anything that you do.

"Everyone that has stood on this stage before me and will stand here after me has had a passion for the sport of tennis. I found mine when I was five years old, and I dedicated to—I'm dedicated to pass it on to the next generation. Those three words are so meaningful. I've learned them through my upbringing, my experiences, from the many matches I've played, the many people I've known and met through tennis.”

Photo credit: Ben Solomon/International Tennis Hall of Fame

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