Clijsters says she could skip Fed Cup semis against U.S. - 網球 Tennis

Clijsters says she could skip Fed Cup semis against U.S.
April 28, 2006

BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) -- Kim Clijsters said she could skip Belgium's Fed Cup
semifinal against the United States if the matches are played on clay. The
U.S. Open champion said on her Web site Friday she's concerned about the
timing of the July 15-16 matches, which takes place about a week after
Wimbledon.

Belgium, the host country, would be the favorite if it picks the slower clay
surface. But Clijsters says it would be difficult to play on clay so soon
after playing on the grass at Wimbledon.

After the Fed Cup, she would have to play on hard courts in the U.S.

"I'd like to be there against the United States, but the date is a lot more
difficult," Clijsters said on her site. "But if the Fed Cup is played on
hardcourt, it should be OK."

Her teammate, Justine Henin-Hardenne, also hasn't committed to playing. With
Henin-Hardenne and Clijsters playing together for the first time in three
years, Belgium beat defending champion Russia 3-2 last week to earn a matchup
against the U.S., which advanced by beating Germany.

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