Tributes paid to Clijsters

Here are what some of the key figures said about the Belgian superstar.

LARRY SCOTT (WTA Tour chief executive): "Kim Clijsters will be remembered as one of the most accomplished and loved players in the history of women's professional tennis. No player has been so unanimously popular with fans and fellow players alike.

"She has been a once-in-a-generation champion. Kim's contribution to popularising the sport in her native Belgium, as well as globally, is well known. Athletic and determined on court, Kim has also been a wonderful ambassador for the sport off it and she will be much missed by her legions of fans, fellow players and everyone connected with the WTA Tour."

JUSTINE HENIN (Belgium), world number one: "I have a lot of respect for what she did in her career, as a player, as a person. It's pretty emotional because we spent a lot of time together when we were younger and we grew up together on the tour. I think we helped each other to another level because we pushed each other always to play better.

"She's been a great player and it's time for her now to turn the page and do something else in her life and everyone has to respect that. She did a lot for the game, for Belgian tennis and I will have great memories of her."

AMELIE MAURESMO (France), Wimbledon champion: "I think she had been thinking about retiring for a while so I'm sure she is really convinced that it's the right decision for her.

"Personally I always enjoyed our rivalry because it brought the best out in both of us."

SERENA WILLIAMS (U.S.), Australian Open champion: "She was a great player, a great competitor and an even better person.

"We had some great matches but I'll miss her more in the locker room than anything else".