Kirsten Flipkens (WTA 190) was moved to tears on Thursday at Wimbledon after playing the last singles match of her career. On the N.2 Court, the 36-year-old Campinoise was beaten in the second round by the Romanian Simona Halep (WTA 18), 30 years old, seeded n°16, winner in 2019. Under the eyes of Kim Clijstersshe lost 7-5, 6-4 after leading 5-2 in the first set and had a 5-1 ball in the second.
“To have the opportunity to end my singles career against a great champion like Simona on such a court and in front of an audience like yours is a dream, frankly“, she confided on the court after kissing the lawn of the All England Club. “When I came here for the very first time, Kim Clijsters was playing in the juniors and I was like ‘wow, one day I want to be able to play here’. I won the junior title here in 2003, reached the semi-finals [du simple dames] in 2013 and Wimbledon was at the top of my bucket list. This tournament will always be special for me and I feel so happy and grateful to have been able to say goodbye here, on this court, in front of such a champion and in front of such an audience.“
Wimbledon 2022 coincided with Kirsten Flipkens’ 50th Grand Slam singles appearance, whose best finish was 13th at the WTA in August 2013. The Geel native is still involved in doubles in London with her Spanish partner Sara Sorribes Tormo. And then ?
“Next ? I will probably go on vacation to Ibiza“, she concluded with a smile before leaving the court to a standing ovation.