Kim Clijsters rallies to beat Maria Sharapova in a stormy W&S Women’s Open final on Sunday.

Kim Clijsters raises the Rookwood Pottery Trophy

Maria Sharapova came into the final on Sunday looking strong as she cruised through the opening rounds of her first appearance at the Western & Southern Financials Women’s Open Tournament. However, at the end of the day the story would shift to the reigning U.S Open Champion, Kim Clijsters. Maria Sharapova had won the first set 2-6 and was on match point 3-5 late in the second when a bad storm would force an hour and a half delay. It was obvious that after the break, Kim would take full advantage of the bit of rest. Clijsters would rally to win the second set 7-5. After the aggressive play by Clijsters, Sharapova went to the sideline and requested a trainer to inspect her left heel. The trainer wrapped Sharapova’s foot and she would never be the same from that point forward. Kim Clijsters would go on to win 2-6, 7-6 (4), 6-2. This is Clijsters second appearance at the Western & Southern Financial Women’s Open Tournament. She made her first appearance back from retirement at last years tournament. “To me, obviously being my first tournament back last year, it was already special,” Clijsters said. “To be back where we started last year is great. To win it this year means a lot.”