US Open '09: Congratulations Kim Clijsters! **Updated with Serena Apology**

It took Kim Clijsters three years to defend her US Open title but it took her little more than an hour to defeat No. 9 seed Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-3 to do it.

In the post match press conference the 26 year old Belgian talked about why she retired two years ago:

Well, the motivation was missing then. It was something that, yeah, I came to an age where I really felt like, you know, combined with the injuries, I think, I wasn't really 100% focused on my tennis anymore.

You know, as a woman, I came to a stage in my life, too, where I wanted to get married. We wanted to start a family, and I was glad. I feel very lucky that I got this chance to, you know, be back here now and that I made that decision, because it's obviously been a good choice.

But, again, being a mother is obviously my first priority, and being a wife, so...

But I'm just very lucky that I'm able to combine both and that my family supports me in doing this.

This all came of course the night after Serena Williams' meltdown in Saturday's semi-final against Clijsters.  Serena has been fined $10,500 by the USTA and released a statement of regret yesterday:

Last night everyone could truly see the passion I have for my job. Now that I have had time to gain my composure, I can see that while I don’t agree with the unfair line call, in the heat of battle I let my passion and emotion get the better of me and as a result handled the situation poorly. I would like to thank my fans and supporters for understanding that I am human and I look forward to continuing the journey, both professionally and personally, with you all as I move forward and grow from this experience.

It didn't go as far as the apology she should have made, but it was something.  We'll see what kind of statement she makes today if she and sister Venus win the US Open doubles title.

After that comes Roger Federer vs. Juan Martine Del Portro in the men's final.  It should be a match that's Federer's for the taking, but Del Portro has been sharp as a tack, so we'll see.

Meanwhile, congratulations to Kim Clijsters the 2009 US Open women's champ!

******Updated Info******

Serena has issued an apology on her website and via Twitter:

I want to amend my press statement of yesterday, and want to make it clear as possible - I want to sincerely apologize FIRST to the lines woman, the USTA, and mostly tennis fans everywhere for my inappropriate outburst. I'm a woman of great pride, faith and integrity, and I admit when I'm wrong.

I need to make it clear to all young people that I handled myself inappropriately and it's not the way to act -- win or lose, good call or bad call in any sport, in any manner.

I like to lead by example. We all learn from experiences both good and bad, I will learn and grow from this, and be a better person as a result.

All righty, then.