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PARIS — Kim Clijsters received a special trophy, and the Open Gaz de France isn’t even over yet.
That’s what happens when you return to the top of rankings.
Clijsters beat Jelena Dokic of Australia 6-3, 6-0 on Friday to reach the Paris semifinals and will replace Caroline Wozniacki at the top when the new rankings are released on Monday.
“I’m very happy to be No. 1 again,” Clijsters said after collecting the trophy and a giant No. 1 made from flowers.
Clijsters, 27, has held the top ranking three times before, but not since 2006. She retired in May 2007 before marrying U.S. basketball player Brian Lynch and giving birth to a daughter, Jada, in February 2008.
Since making her competitive return in August 2009, Clijsters has won three Grand Slam titles, and is the current champion at the U.S. and Australian Opens. Wozniacki is still chasing her first major.
“I’m older, a little more experienced,” Clijsters said. “I’m able to enjoy all the things that are happening now in a different way. I’m able to share it with a bigger group and with my team. That’s what I enjoy the most about this second career.”
The 256-week stretch between Clijsters’ last stretch at No. 1 and her current one is the second longest in ATP or WTA history, beaten only by Serena Williams (265 weeks).
As the stadium speakers blasted Tina Turner’s ’Simply The Best,’ the WTA put on a special presentation to celebrate Clijsters’ achievement.
“It’s weird because you’re in the middle of a tournament,” Clijsters said. “You’re doing a speech, you’re getting a trophy and flowers, so it’s a little bit weird but exciting as well.”