Clijsters dethrones Wozniacki as world No1 to reach semi-finals
DEFENDING champion Kim Clijsters admits she is not ready to say goodbye to the Australian Open after marching into the semi-finals on her farewell appearance.
Clijster reached the last four with a 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) defeat of Caroline Wozniacki that knocked the Dane off the top of the world rankings.
The Belgian, 28, has declared this her final trip to Melbourne but is refusing to contemplate a curtain call while a clash with Victoria Azarenka beckons.
“I don’t want to think about it yet. It’s going to be a little bit emotional – I’ve had so many beautiful memories,” said the 11th seed. “I’m ready, giving it my all this last time and we’ll see where it ends. I’m excited I’m still in the tournament and didn’t have to think about saying goodbye.”
Clijsters will face Azarenka tomorrow after the Belarussian third seed beat eighth seed Agnieszka Radwanska 6-7 (0-7), 6-0, 6-2.
Azarenka, who is one of three contenders to take top spot in the rankings, will succeed Wozniacki if she wins the season’s first grand slam.
Wozniacki, still seeking her maiden major title, insisted she would reclaim world No1 status, saying: “I will get it back eventually.”