It's official! Kim Clijsters returns to WTA

Kim Clijsters announces her return to professional tennis at a press conference at the De Boneput tennis centre, in Bree, northern Belgium today.

After two years in retirement, Clijsters said she has regained the competitive hunger that led to the No. 1 ranking.

“I still have that craving,” the 25-year-old Belgian said.

"I look forward to the challenge.”

Clijsters retired in May 2007 to get married and start a family with hubby American basketball player Brian Lynch.

Earlier this week she asked for a wild card into the 2009 U.S. Open, along with WTA hard-court tournaments in Cincinnati and Toronto earlier in August.

The U.S. Tennis Association confirmed setting aside a spot in the main draw for Clijsters.

“I want to be back at my peak as soon as possible, but I know that is not logical to ask that,” Clijsters said.

“I will have to take it match by match.”

However, Clijsters refused to commit herself beyond the U.S. Open.

(Via AP; Image by Yorick Jansens-Michel Krakowsk/AFP/Getty Images)