Kimiko Date to launch another return at age 46

"Guess who's back, back again / Date's back, tell a friend ..."

The seemingly indefatigable Kimiko Date, she of a 1996 Wimbledon semifinal showing and former No. 4 glory, will all-but-triumphantly return at an $80,000 ITF-level event in Gifu, in her native Japan, in a few weeks.

The tournament's precise dates are May 1-7, and it will be played on outdoor hard courts, which will suit well to Date's attacking, flat arsenal of shots. She's actually first returning in an exhibition against Nao Hibino on April 12.

Date underwent two surgeries catalyzed by a knee injury in early 2016, and said then that her recovery was to take about a year's time.

Off the court, Date and her husband, former race-car driver Michael Krumm of Germany, announced their divorce last September. The two stated a mutual intent to remain friends and supporters of each other's lives and careers. Their union ended on "amicable" terms.

Date's precedent has met a sort of match on the ATP World Tour, that in the form of Younes El Aynaoui's return to Futures-level play this week at age 45.

The full plans of Date's impending full-time return to the WTA Tour, however, have not been disclosed. No word yet as to whether this event will serve as a litmus test for a complete playing schedule. Date will turn 47 years young in September

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