Clijsters, who was set to begin the defense of her Miami Masters title, confirmed that she would not be taking part in tournaments in Tokyo in September or Beijing in October because of warnings related to the nuclear emergency at a power plant.
“Most importantly, my thoughts and sympathies are with the people in Japan,” she said. “It’s heart-wrenching to see what they’re going through right now.”
While Andy Roddick and Roger Federer said they would determine whether to complete the men’s tour’s Asian program of events nearer the time, Clijsters said she decided to announce her withdrawal now after taking guidance from the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA).
“Of course, the health and safety of anyone traveling to a potentially impacted area is my top priority, as well as the WTA’s, and I know the WTA will continue to monitor the situation,” she said.
Japanese veteran Kimiko Date-Krumm, who won her first-round game in Miami yesterday said she was making every effort to help her homeland.
“Still, I am shocked,” the 40 year old said of the events following March 11’s magnitude-9.0 quake. “I started a foundation, and I donated my own money. I hope I can help. Every day, I’m thinking of something I can do.”
When asked for a message to give to her country, she replied, “In the future, come back to smiling.”
Read more:
Kim Clijsters Says Radiation Fears Forced Her Withdrawal From Japanese Tennis Event