The son of a tennis coach who grew up with a Roger Federer poster plastered to his wall, David Goffin is not only an elite player, he’s a devoted fan of the sport.

The Belgian baseliner watched compatriot Kim Clijsters’ comeback match in Dubai this week—and liked what he saw.

More: Federer Has Knee Surgery, Plots Grass Comeback

Playing her first WTA match in seven-and-a-half years, the 36-year-old Clijsters was impressive, but Garbiñe Muguruza was imposing on serve spoiling the Hall of Famer's return with a fierce 6-2, 7-6(6) triumph in the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships opener.

“Her first match impressed me—her level was already very high,” Goffin said in this video interview with Open 13 Provence fans. “We will see how she will manage with consecutive matches. But impressive first match for her age.”

Goffin said two components of Clijsters’ comeback that touch him the most are: she’s playing for the joy she draws from the game and she exuded her familiar positive competitive spirit.



“I’m really happy to see her back on court,” Goffin said. “She comes back for her, for her pleasure.

“She seems to do it with a fine spirit. I hope she will succeed.”

Photo credit: Mark Peterson/Corleve