Mother knows best in return

Moms can be tough on the court, too.

Former world No 1 Kim Clijsters proved it when she won the 2009 US Open five months after having a baby.

Chinese veteran Yan Zi is looking to emulate the Belgian great.

Yan, who retired in May 2011 and gave birth to a baby girl in January, announced her plans to come back at the China Open to play in the doubles draw with a wild card on Tuesday.

"I think it's the right time to come back (after taking care of my baby for half a year), and physically, I am ready," Yan said at the signing ceremony of China Open's partnership with Beijing Benz Automotive.

"I've always planned to return because I don't want to give up tennis," the 27-year-old said. "I will pick my tournaments wisely as I still have to nurse my girl. Anyway, I am really looking forward to it."

Teaming with former partner Zheng Jie, Yan bagged two Grand Slam doubles titles, at the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2006, before winning doubles bronze at the Beijing Olympics in 2008.

Yan was slowed by a series of injuries and entered a funk. She shifted her focus to family life after marrying a businessman Li Shenggen in 2009 and rarely appeared on the WTA tour.

According to Zheng, who hinted at Yan's comeback during this year's Wimbledon, Yan won't rejoin her, instead choosing to play with Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei at the WTA Premier event, which will be staged at the National Tennis Center from Oct 1-7.

Hsieh, this year's Malaysian Open winner, said her partnership with Yan hasn't been decided.

"I am really looking forward to her comeback, especially since she can bring me a big toy (her baby girl)," Hsieh told the Chinese News Agency at Wimbledon.

sunxiaochen@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 08/29/2012 page23)