Though she's come up short in two comeback matches, Kim Clijsters is taking the long view of her return.
Johanna Konta conquered Clijsters 6-3, 7-5 to earn her first win of the season in Monterrey on Tuesday night. The 36-year-old Belgian fell to 0-2 in her comeback to the pro circuit after taking a seven-and-a-half-year break to raise a family.
More: Konta Stops Clijsters in Monterrey
The former world No. 1 says she's see signs of improvements in her game, but is preaching patience as a part of the process.
"I felt some things were better," Clijsters said. "Some things still need a lot of improvement. That's why it's good to play matches.
"I've been through different generations and played many players throughout my whole career. I'm still at a stage where I want to focus on what I'm doing and how I'm feeling, and also start reading my opponents.
Contesting her first WTA match in seven-and-a-half years in Dubai last month, 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.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has cracked the ball cleanly in both comeback matches, but said she must refine all areas of her game to continue her improvement.
"It's a process that I have to trust and keep working hard to improve in every match I play," Clijsters said. "I'd like to take big steps but I have to focus on small steps and improving day by day."
Photo credit: Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships