Kim Clijsters bids farewell to Wimbledon after heavy defeat

Kim Clijsters waved goodbye to Wimbledon today after she was thrashed 6-1 6-1 by German eighth seed Angelique Kerber at a windswept and chilly All England Club.

The Belgian, who will be retiring for a second time after this year's US Open, looked like a pale shadow of the player who has won four major titles. She struggled to get her serve into gear and committed a string of unforced errors.

Kerber was in sparkling form and totally dominated the exchanges against crowd favourite Clijsters, who was suffering from an abdominal injury in the lead-up to Wimbledon.

Clijsters survived two match points at 5-0 down in the second set but it was a last throw of the dice against the fiercely determined Kerber who served out for victory.

At least one German player is guaranteed a place in the semi-finals after Kerber booked a last-eight date with compatriot Sabine Lisicki.

Reuters