World No. 7 Sofia Kenin may have lost her opening match in Dubai on Tuesday, but all wasn’t lost for the American in her trip to the UAE.

Before the event began, the Australian Open champion reunited with Kim Clijsters, who entered as a wild card to launch her second comeback. It marked the four-time major winner’s first tournament since the 2012 US Open.

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At the 2005 Miami Open, a then six-year-old Kenin had the opportunity to spend quality time with Clijsters, as the Belgian gave her an all-access tour that included meeting Andy Roddick, watching a match from the player’s lounge and visiting the press room.

“Who knows? She might be one of the new big stars when I’m at home,” Clijsters said at the time.

“Hopefully this is a good chance for her to meet a lot of these people and see the life behind the scenes. I’ve had a lot of tennis these last few weeks, so this is good to just have something else on my mind.”

On a gorgeous day in Dubai, the two strolled along the beach for a light-hearted catchup. In a video uploaded by the tournament, which celebrates its 20th anniversary as a WTA event this year, Kenin asked the former No. 1 why she selected Dubai for her first stop.

“I’ve been practicing indoors for six months or so. Just to be able to come here and be in the sun, just thought it would be a great week for us to kick it off. I’m excited to be here.”

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While their wish to meet in the final didn’t come true this week, Clijsters showed plenty of promise in her 6-2, 7-6 (6) loss to Garbine Muguruza, the woman Kenin topped to win her first Slam. The 21-year-old was ultimately outclassed a day later by the red-hot Elena Rybakina in three sets.