Key Biscayne semis: Friends-turned-rivals to clash

Key Biscayne, Apr 1: The Sony Ericsson Open is going to stage an epic battle between long-time rivals or rather friends-turned-rivals Kim Clijsters and Justine Henin in the semi-finals.

The Belgian players have had quiet a history. The girls who met in their childhood later turned roommates. However, the relationship turned sour and they parted ways.

Clijsters and Henin have met in 23 matches all together with the victories balanced out closely between the two.

The two Grand Slam Champions' career has also been on close lines. While Clijsters turned pro in 1997, Henin followed in 1999. Clijsters grabbed the number one spot in Aug 2003, Henin followed again two months later.

Even when it came to retirement, both retired at the peak of their careers. Clijsters retired in May 2007 to get married and have a baby, while Henin retired in May 2008 to find herself.

Now they have both returned and will go head-on against each other in the Semi-finals of the ongoing hardcourt event on Thursday, Apr 1.

Henin leads the rivalry with 12-11. However, when it comes to hardcourt events Clijsters leads 7-4. So the Key Biscayne clash is going to be yet another close one.

OneIndia News