Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters made a successful return to the court by beating world No.1 Caroline Wozniacki 6-2 7-6 (7-5) in an exhibition clash on Thursday.
In front of some 10,000 home fans at the Antwerp Sports Palace, Clijsters proved she has fully recovered from the stomach muscle injury which forced her off the tour in August.
The match was the start of preparations for her Australian Open defence next month, while she is also focussed on a gold medal at the London Olympics in what will be her farewell season.
"So far, and today, everything felt really great," Clijsters said.
"Now I am good to get on the plane and fly to Australia."
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She will be Down Under by Christmas and plans to play the Brisbane International before moving camp to Melbourne.
Even though it was an exhibition, Clijsters' serve looked strong and her groundstrokes were often dominating against the Dane.
"I am happy to have played a match and break the rhythm of daily training," she said.
Clijsters regained the world No.1 spot in February and looked set to be one of the dominating players of 2011 until she sustained shoulder and wrist injuries in April, compounded by a sprained ankle after an early exit at the French Open.
Coming back for the US Open, she injured her stomach muscles in a preparation tournament and has been sidelined ever since.
"It's been a year of many more downs than ups," she said.
At 28, she wants to turn that frustration into sheer energy one last time. While unable to work her stomach muscles, she found other alternatives to getting fitter.
"Physically, I feel extremely well, perhaps fitter than ever," she said in the run-up to Thursday's match.
