Clijsters Still Major Doubt for Open

Defending champion Kim Clijsters remains a major doubt for the upcoming US Open with her abdominal and ankle injuries still causing concern. The Belgian was forced to pull out of the Cincinnati Masters this week after suffering her latest injury setback in Toronto, where the 28-year old has to retire from her opening match in the tournament. The Australian Open champion has been through an injury ravaged season since picking up her fourth Grand Slam in Melbourne.

The Belgian's ankle injury was a major factor in her early exit from the French Open and which later ruled her out of Wimbledon. The problem was initially picked up in a mysterious 'wedding based mishap' in April and since then has struggled to shake the injury fully off. With the final Grand Slam of the season coming up though, Clijsters will be desperate to patch herself together so she can compete at Flushing Meadows. Those following the Betfair US Open 2011 betting will be keeping an eye on her progress.

If she does recover, then Clijsters will go into the tournament as third in the rankings following her lack of tennis. Vera Zvonareva climbed above the Belgian in the latest rankings and sits just behind an out-of-form Caroline Wozniacki. It would take a huge effort for Clijsters to regain that second spot in the remainder of 2011 but the 28-year-old would be keen to pick up some end of season momentum going into 2012. The US Open betting odds show she could do well if she gets fit.

After winning three of the past five US Open tournaments, a fully fit Clijsters would be one of the overwhelming favourites. That won't be the case though and it remains to be seen what sort of shape the Belgian will be in should she recover in time to compete at Flushing Meadows. Resting for a month before the tournament could be just what Clijsters needed though and she could yet be able to attempt on making it three US Open titles in three years.