Kim Clijsters, sweetheart of the US Open

Kim Clijsters is the sweetheart of the Women's Tennis tour. She retired at 23, after marrying, wanting to start a family. Now it's been two years, she's happily married now to American basketball player Brian Lynch, with an adorable daughter Jada, both traveling with her. It's so cute, you can see Brian and Jada watching mom practice every morning on a back court at the Open... that's something I would love to see. :) WOW did we miss her! The women's tour lacked heart without Kim, that one gal everyone could appreciate getting the win.

Always smiling, humble and shows such a great appreciation for the game, it's hard not to like her. On the court she's a fierce competitor. Amazing hard hitting ground strokes, this chick has one of the greatest counter puncher's games in women's tennis history. She's like a backboard... every shot they throw at her, she returns... even doing slides and sometimes splits on a hard court no less!

At 25 she's back and doing so great, she's even surprised herself. Touring accompanied by an 18 month old definitely brings some challenges, but in an interview she said, "We try to take a little outing everyday, like a carriage ride in Central Park. After all Jada doesn't care if mommy has a match or not."

On to the fourth round, she meets Venus Williams next. I will be cheering for Clijsters, dubbed the underdog in this match. Go Kimmie!