"The familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey"

When one thinks of Kim Clijsters and her tennis journey so far, there is a prevailing sense of potential that has yet to be fully realized. Ever since she began playing on the pro circuit, Kim Clijsters has always shown the kind of promise that many of the greatest tennis players have shown when they began their tennis journeys - by virtue of her unbelievable athletic ability, her superb tennis skill and her unyielding determination to run down every ball. We have seen glimpses of that potential greatness when she achieved the number one ranking in women’s tennis; won the US Open title in 2005; won the WTA year-end Championships in 2002 and 2003; and reached the French Open finals twice and the Australian Open once. Even so, for one reason or another, she seemed to be one step behind other top players, such as fellow Belgian Justine Henin. Part of the reason is due to the incredible depth of competition on the women’s tour. Nonetheless it is also true that Kim Clijsters failed to shift things into first gear when the occasion warranted it. The breakthrough that could set Kim Clijsters on a path to fully realizing her potential, however, may have come at this year’s US Open, two years after her decision to retire from tennis and start a family.

The circumstances of her renaissance at this year’s US Open could not have been more exhilarating and surreal. In a match played late last night, as a consequence of the rain that has caused havoc to the schedule of play, Kim Clijsters displayed the brilliant form and mature resolve that dashed Venus’ hopes in the previous round while endearing her to tennis fans. I saw only portions of the match, but, from my vantage point, there was no doubt Kim Clijsters was outplaying Serena Williams – who, as I have mentioned, was “full of confidence” coming into the US Open and was looking for a Grand Slam trifecta after winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon championships this year. (While I will leave it to the tennis authorities to sort out the circumstances of this unusual semifinal encounter, I will say that rules are put in place for a reason – that is, to assure equitable and fair treatment to all). Kim Clijsters will next go up against Danish tennis player Caroline Wozniacki in a highly anticipated final. As the acclaimed writer Cynthia Ozick once noted: "nothing is so awesomely unfamiliar as the familiar that discloses itself at the end of a journey." Although anything can happen in a tournament marked by surprises, a win in the final will no doubt carry special meaning for Kim Clijsters.