Three-time Grand Slam winner Kim Clijsters thinks her game is improving as her daughter Jada gets older, allowing the Belgian more time on the practice court.
The former world No. 1 won the 2009 U.S. Open just three weeks into her comeback after a 2 1/2-year retirement, during which she gave birth. She defended her title at Flushing Meadows in September - joined by Jada on center court after both finals.
Now that Jada is almost 3-years-old, and less dependent on her mother, Clijsters said Thursday she is getting more time to practice.
The 27-year-old Clijsters, ranked No. 3 and one of the favorites for this month's Australian Open, said not having to worry so much about her daughter has afforded her more ''me time,'' which normally translates to court time.
''Tennis is something that I really enjoy and now there's that balance between (juggling motherhood) and also having some time to yourself,'' she said.
''For me, my time for myself is when I can be out on court and really focus on playing tennis and trying to get in shape.''
When she quit the tour in early 2007, Clijsters never imagined playing competitively again, let alone winning two more Grand Slams.
''There were some tough times in the beginning,'' Clijsters said of her return after retiring to marry and start a family.
''But now, especially with the second (full) year starting to be on tour again, I feel every week it just becomes easier.''
Clijsters credits Jada and a broader perspective on life for her resurgence.
''In any girl's life, having a child makes a big difference and it has been the same in mine,'' Clijsters said. ''You just have to search for that rhythm and balance.''
Clijsters beat top-ranked Caroline Wozniacki in the year-ending WTA Tour Championships in Doha, and opened her 2011 season by beating the Dane in an exhibition match last week in Thailand.
Clijsters can regain the top ranking by winning both next week's Sydney International and the Australian Open.
''I don't focus on that at all,'' Clijsters said. ''But I really want to peak at the important stages throughout the season and I guess if I do well in those matches and at those tournaments, the points will add on automatically.''
