Two Champions
They were raised far from the perpetual motion of Times Square, and even as recently as a decade or so ago, they might have had a hard time identifying which subway line runs to Flushing. But when the time came to close an important chapter in their lives—and to begin a new one—Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters knew there was no better place than New York.
Their careers certainly have had very different trajectories, and their styles and personalities are singular. But Mr. Roddick and Ms. Clijsters have one very important thing in common. Their tennis legacies were written on the hard courts of the Billie Jean King Tennis Center in Queens.
Both Mr. Roddick, who won the U.S. Open in 2003, and Ms. Clijsters, a champion in 2005, 2009 and 2010, chose to end their career at this year’s Open. Ms. Clijsters made it clear months ago that she would be hanging up her tennis bag after her last match in Flushing this year. Mr. Roddick surprised the tennis world by announcing mid-tournament that he, too, would retire after the Open.
Both players won the hearts and loyalties of New York’s discerning tennis fans with their professionalism, charisma and sense of style. Read More
