No changing Clijsters to retire
(AFP)Updated: 2007-01-08 09:04 Kim Clijsters says nothing will change her decision to retire from tennis after this year's farewell season, even if she wins a grand slam title.
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She said injuries, a love of being at home and a fear of flying were all reasons she would not be going back on her decision.
"When I started thinking about it first was with my injuries," said Clijsters.
She pulled out of the Sydney International and Australian Open last year with leg injuries before left wrist trouble late in the season.
"It was so frustrating just to do those exercises, now there's two to three hours of exercises that I have to do every day to stay fit and there's days when I don't want to do them but I know that I have to," Clijsters said here on Sunday.
She said the lure of her home-life -- which will include getting married in July -- was also strong.
"I like to do my thing and just be private and just have my life at home, I'm not really into the spotlight," she said.
"Playing tennis to me is not (being) a celebrity, I play sports and that's what I enjoy doing and I love the sport.
"I'm not the girl who does photo shoots ... that's not me.
"I like to be at home and be the housewife, cook and take care of my dogs and just make sure the house is clean and all that stuff."
But she also revealed the constant air travel was another factor.
"I'm not a good flyer, I'm scared on the plane," she said.
"I can't say 'I'll take the car'. I do that as much as possible. When I'm playing in Europe I drive almost everywhere."
Clijsters will be playing in this week's Sydney International as final preparation for the Australian Open in Melbourne starting on January 15.
She said last year that 2007 would be her farewell season
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