We asked fans and players to send us their tribute messages to the comeback champion of the US Open. Here's what they had to say:
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"I'm very impressed by the way that Kim came back. I thought it was going to take her a few tournaments to really get into the rhythm. I mean, it's different to practice and to play matches, and I was really, really impressed by the way she was playing.
"I saw already in Cincinnati that she was in really great shape. I think she's just going out there and she's enjoying it. She doesn't have any pressure, because she already achieved what she wanted to. She has the family. She has everything.
"She's playing because she thinks it's fun and because she likes it. So I think that maybe she's an even better player now than she was before."
Caroline Wozniacki after the US Open final
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"Kim has always shared her victories with everyone watching; her happiness has always been contagious. But now she does even more; she instils in us a belief that there is something like perfect wisdom, control and courage. When I never miss one of her game points, sometimes only on the scoreboard of wtatour.com, it is perhaps because I want to keep seeing her example."
Piet Vander Cruyssen, fan, via email, Belgium
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"What a fabulous return to tennis. It is to my regret that I could not see the party end of the great US Open match, but I saw the game and the total joy when the eyes of mother and wife looked at the gallery.
"Now Kim is playing with more joy, less pressure and more stability, which gives her an enormous capacity to think through every game and every point in an intelligent way.
"Congratulations Kim. I hope that this return will inspire and give strength to many women into believing that everything is possible."
Susana Rosa, fan, via email, Portugal
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"Playing against her, I could see how developed mentally she had become. She wanted every point. I think that was kind of encouraging to see and really motivating for me. Like, wow, I can be like that.
"She really went out there and worked really hard and had goals and was able to reach them. I think it's just amazing. It's really encouraging for someone like myself and Venus to have someone that can stay out for so long and come back and win. It's unbelievable. One of the greatest comebacks ever."
Serena Williams, speaking at the end of the US Open
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"Kim, Congratulations on your US Open victory. It is just great to have you back on the Tour. I have watched you many times when you have played in the Australian Open and your are a credit to yourself, your family and the Tour. Your manner on and off the court is something that should be copied by the younger generation and you should be very proud of yourself. What a great comeback. CONGRATULATIONS."
Barbara Edward, fan, via email, Australia
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"I am so pleased Kim is back. For me, she is an inspiration to do great things in life whether it be in the sporting world or in any other apsect of life and work. When I first saw her play, she motivated me to follow my dreams and has continued to do so ever since! Don't leave again Kim! - at least for a little while :)"
Sophie Williamson, fan, via email, England
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"Kim's win and her attitude, sportsmanship, professionalism and pure sense of who she is on and off the court ranks among the highest of many sport champions. Before she left to have a family she was considered the nicest person on the tour - a kind-hearted person in both victory and defeat - a difficult demeanor to have dealing in the pressure cooker of pro athletics. Now knowing what she wants from her career is an even better Kim to watch and enjoy."
Sandy Biano, fan, via email
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"It's just amazing, coming back like this from having not even a month's leadup till the US Open - I'm sure she trained as hard as she possibly could, but it's not the same. So for her to have this incredible run is fantastic.
"This is a great story for women's tennis, that's for sure."
Roger Federer, speaking at the US Open
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"It was refreshing to see Kim back on the tennis circuit. I watched her progress in the previous tournaments leading to the US Open and in the US Open and I knew she would win it by the way she played. She is a cool player who does not let her emotion get the better of her during a match. Great comeback to achieve a Grand Slam within such a short period of time. She is a genteel person. Wish her the best for 2010. By the way, you've got an adorable, cute kid."
Firoze Munzeer, fan, via email, Sri Lanka
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"After Kim had her wrist operated on and came back, I truly became a fan of her. She has the best tennis technique, add her athleticism, attitude, and personality and she becomes one of the best role models. I'm so thrilled to have her back out there and can't wait to see another match of hers. She's an incredible person and deserves everything she works towards and more."
Katie Kennedy, fan, via email
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"The Greatest Tennis Story I have ever seen! Kim, you are such a wonderful example to the world of what it means to be a gracious champion both on and off the court. Good luck in your second tennis career!"
Brad, fan, via email, Australia
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"She's obviously a very determined woman and very talented. Put those two together and you get great tennis."
Venus Williams at the US Open
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"Well done Kim for finally defending your title in New York. Keep fit and healthy. I sincerely hope you will go one better in Australia and French Open... you came so close in 2004 and 2001. You deserve all the things good in life and tennis. I cried when I saw how happy you were with Brian and Jada.
"Congratulations and welcome back!"
Padraig O'Sullivan, fan, via email, Ireland
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"Hello. I want to congratulate Kim for her amazing US Open victory. Kim, you thrilled us all and so did Jada. I am from Mississippi and I will never forget your $25,000 contribution to the American Red Cross in 2005 to help Hurricane Katrina victims... your kindness and concern and generosity has not been forgotten. Kim, you are a champion on and off the court. I admire you greatly. I hope you win some more Grand Slams. Best wishes to you!!!"
Marty Sanders, fan, via email, USA
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"What a comeback! I think Kim's the greatest comeback player ever. One thing that makes me more admire her, she doesn't want to go too fast. She could go to Asia and attend some tournaments there, but she didn't. Instead she'll stay at home and wait until her sister gives birth. She's a champion, on and off court. With her comeback, I hope Justine Henin will make a comeback, too. Mrs Lynch, I wish you all the best for the 2010 season and hope that you'll win major titles again!"
Mentari Sandiastri, fan, via email, Indonesia
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"I'm just soo happy that Kim is back on tour... She's such a valuable person, a perfect role-model. I've missed her a while she was on her retirement a lot on Tour so yeah, glad she's back :) c'mon Kim!"
Joanna S, fan, via email, Poland
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"It's kind of amazing how someone can do this. She surprised everyone! Coming back after making a family and winning this Open. It proves that 'it must be love' - it has got to be.
"Everyone was happy to see her back, but everyone - at least I - thought she would be kind of rusty. But no. She did it like a warrior, planning every point, thinking every second, running for every ball. It was amazing her smile in the end, her look, her happiness.
"She is inspiring, and I hope everyone gets inspired by her, because she teaches us that nothing is impossible. US Open is the proof. Congratulations."
Marta Godinho, fan, via email
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"I am really thrilled to see Kim playing some great tennis again! She was always one of my favourites and it's true that she's offered us some amazing battles throughout these years, always full of determination, sportsmanship, great feeling, and such omnimous athletism. Her US Open crown is somewhat a miraculous achievement, considering her 2 1/2 yrs absence from the
Tour and all the rest that happened in her life... Now, I think, she is playing even better than before her early retirement... she is mentally stronger and I wish her all the best!! Marvellous Kim!!"
Babis Petsas, fan, via email, Greece
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"Kim, what can I say about you? Not only are you such a great champion and a terrific comeback queen, but you are a wonderful sportswoman, a down to earth person, a loving mother and a loving wife who appreciates playing professional tennis again with fun and enjoyment. I also admire how you appreciate the simple things in life as well too.
"Thank you so much for coming back to the game. You have certainly inspired a lot of people, including myself. Just keep smiling and play the game with the same passion and enjoyment that you possess for us the fans. I'am so proud of you".
Ben Green, fan, via email
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"You are a wonderful woman, I'm very proud to be a Belgian fan (Kim, sinds je terug bent in competitie, kijk ik weer naar TV als de dames spelen, proficiat, je bent een voorbeeld voor de jongeren). Kim, as a mother, seems to be more happy now and she plays better with a new mind. Congratulations!"
Sonia Billens, fan, via email, Belgium
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"Congrats on you US Open victory. Thanks for making the 2009 Open a memorable two weeks of tennis. Welcome back!"
Dennis, MiamiTennisNews.com, via email
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"Her win is simply awesome. She has done a great job. She is one of the best players WTA has ever seen. Good going Kim…"
Priyesh Sadanand, fan, via email
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"It is refreshing to see someone like Kim with such a sunny disposition back on the tennis court - she continues to be the same gracious, friendly, positive and professional tennis player that has won the hearts of many tennis fans. Though it took her eight years to win her first Grand Slam, i am glad that it has taken only two months for her to win her second. She thoroughly deserves her second Grand Slam, and hopefully with more to come. The feel good story of her returning and winning the US Open is indeed inspiring to many people, especially with such a positive role model like Kim. Regardless of the outcome of her second career, Kim has already proven that she is truly a champion in both tennis and in life. With her back in the tennis scene, I will definitely be following the women tennis scene very closely again!!"
Tee Choon Kiong, fan, via email, Singapore
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"I love Kim very much because she always does her best and enjoy her tennis. Welcome back Kim, I support you!!! She is the greatest player... Hope that you and your family be healthy. Good Luck!"
Vicky, fan, via email
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"Kim is FAB!!! She really is a breath of fresh air to the Tour and all she has achieved these last few weeks is incredible! What a comeback! Well done Kim, I am speechless!"
Elena Utusikova, fan, via email
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"Kim Clijsters is more than a tennis player or a former No.1 to me. She is not only a champion, but also an example of fair play, kindness, respect and generosity. She is a mother who gives a lot of love to her family but also to her fans.
"Kim Clijsters is more than a great champion, she is a legend now. Thanks a lot for creating a fan tribute to Kim, and thanks for giving us the possibility to express ourselves about this great woman."
Marilyne Willaert, fan, via email, France
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"Thank you so much for being YOU and achieving the height of Love in family and in tennis... You are an inspiration to millions. Adonai in the Light of Truth, Balance and Harmony through Love... Your Life ONE with all. Thank you again..."
Felix, fan, via email
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"Justine [Henin] and Kim, they're just two great champions. Even though Justine won more Grand Slams, I think they're both great. Kim is an unbelievable person. And I think Justine has a great mentality off the court to help people - she's doing a lot of charity stuff. Maybe she's coming back; maybe not.
"They always played each other, and one had to win, one had to lose. So I guess maybe that time is coming back. Who knows?"
US Open semifinalist Yanina Wickmayer, discussing her illustrious fellow Belgians
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