Clijsters calls time on tennis

The 23-year-old, who is ranked fourth in the world, today revealed her intentionson her personal website, www.kimclijsters.be.

The former world number one and 2005 US Open champion told her web diary: "It has been more than beautiful. The rackets will be hung up."

Clijsters crashed out in the second round of the J&S Cup in Warsaw earlier this week following a straight-sets defeat to Ukrainian qualifier Julia Vakulenko.

She added: "After my fantastic goodbyes in Antwerp, the fire had died out. It was therefore time to announce this decision."

Clijsters, who had intended to quit at the end of this season, has been plagued by injury problems in recent years and revealed they had finally taken their toll.

"The difficulty in getting out of bed each morning to warm up the muscles for an hour, and preparations for the marriage to Brian (in July) takes up a lot of time. All that made it very difficult to continue.

"To retire before the age of 24, it is very young, but it was so beautiful. I would have been able to continue for a few months and to take part in the four most lucrative tournaments (three Grand Slams and Masters).

"The money is certainly important, but not the most important thing in my life. Health and the private life are the most important."

The Bilzen-born player reflected with fondness on the decade she spent on the WTA tour.

"The most beautiful memories of my career? Many victories in tournaments, grand slams in singles and doubles as well as being world number one in singles and doubles," she said, before looking to the future.

"It is time for a new life. Time for marriage. Time for children? Time also to relax and to play with my dogs. And especially to spend a lot of time with my family and friends."

Clijsters won 34 singles titles on the WTA tour, landing the US Open crown two years ago.

She also reached the final at Flushing Meadow in 2003 - where she was beaten by Belgian compatriot Justine Henin - as well as making two French Open finals and an appearance in the Australian Open championship match in 2004.

Wrist problems have hampered Clijsters' progress in the last few years, although she bounced back from her troubles to take the title in Sydney at the start of 2007 before reaching the last four of the Australian Open.

The defeat to Vakulenko proved her final farewell however, as she failed to defend the trophy she lifted 12 months ago in Warsaw.