Sport

The 2009 U.S. Open saw one of tennis’s most surprising upsets on September 6, when Kim Clijsters, returning from retirement, took on world No. 3 Venus Williams in the fourth round. Clijsters had only just returned to professional tennis that summer after a two-year break, and many doubted her ability to compete with the game’s elite.

But Clijsters proved the doubters wrong. Battling through intense rallies and saving crucial break points, she displayed the grit and skill that had once made her a champion. In a stunning performance, Clijsters defeated Venus 6-0, 0-6, 6-4, setting the stage for her eventual U.S. Open title win that year. It was a match that highlighted her resilience and marked one of the greatest comebacks in tennis history.