Kim Clijsters to retire after US Open

Day 1 Despite fears over her fitness defending champion Kim Clijsters beat Maria Joao Koehler in straight sets. (GETTY IMAGES)

Former world number one Kim Clijsters has confirmed that the US Open in August will be her last tournament before she retires from the sport for a second and final time.

The Belgian - a three-time champion at Flushing Meadows - is missing the clay court season in a bid to be fit for Wimbledon and the London Olympics.

She then plans to finish her career in the United States.

Clijsters, who had already said 2012 would be her final year, told a news conference: "I will end my career at the US Open."

The 28-year-old added: "As it stands I will end my career at the US Open. That is where I enjoyed my greatest triumphs and it is a very special place for me."

Clijsters won the US Open in 2009 upon her return to the sport after initially retiring in 2007.

PA