Clijsters embraces kit designs by Black female entrepreneur

Kim Clijsters came to New York on a mission, on and off the court. Her return to tennis didn't yield the desired outcome, dropping a slugfest of a first-rounder. Yet her second opportunity garnered a lot of attention—and hardly just for her.

"I really admire women who dare to be different and follow their own path," Clijsters said, in part, about Full Court Sport and its founder Marguerite Wade." As shared in a *Vogue*.com feature on their sartorial alliance, Clijsters spoke to wanting to lift up an independent creator and her entrepreneurial spirit.

That Clijsters' New York–based partner of choice was a Black female–founded brand was hardly lost on her.

Wade herself said on Instagram, "[Clijsters'] support has been a meaningful way to breathe life into Full Court again. To collaborate as an independent sportswear label, in the middle of a pandemic has been a hustle like no other. I can't think of a more worthwhile challenge."

A teal dress from Full Court Sport, in the mix for this event, didn't see the light of day, nor the glare of night-session lights. For that, Clijsters has No. 21 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova to thank after dropping a three-set affair.

Even so, the retirement-shirking Clijsters, who returned to WTA action in February before COVID-19 took over 2020, will persist.