Catch me while you can! - 網球 Tennis

BANK OF THE WEST CLASSIC
July 24-30, Stanford, California, bankofthewest classic.com BY KIM CLIJSTERS
—PERENNIAL CHAMPION


During the course of my career, the Bank of the West Classic has been very
good to me. I've gone to the final the last four times I've played there, and
won the title three times. That's all in the last five years.


I don't know why I play so well there. I guess there's just something about
Stanford that makes me feel comfortable. For some reason, I always feel the
ball coming off my racquet very well there. It's a great way to start the
California swing.


My favorite aspect of the tournament has to be the coziness of the court. The
site is small and intimate, and I like it that way. You have the running track
right next to the courts, which is unusual, and makes for a great way to warm
up and stretch prior to your matches. The site is actually close to the pool
and basketball courts, so it's great to see the other athletes if they are
still there for summer training. Because Stanford's a university town, there
are also plenty of great restaurants to go to.


The first year that I won the title there, in 2001, there were some Belgian
fans and students who were supporting me, and every year since I've invited
them back. They wear the Belgian colors and fly the flag, which is always
nice to see, especially when you're away from home.


I was really happy to win the US Open Series last year, and after I won it I
got asked a lot about my winnings: $2.2 million for winning the Series and
the US Open. They say it's the richest prize in women's sports history. But
to be honest, I'm not a big spender, and money's never been a motivation for
me to play tennis. Now I'm motivated by finishing strong. After winning
Toronto in 2005 I announced that I'd be retiring after two years, and I'm
sticking to it. Catch me while you can!I hope to see you in Stanford.



說真的 如果Kim在2007年以後仍然留在場上 我並不會去在乎她是否食言了

這一次 我真的很希望她選擇食言

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