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)

Sony Ericsson Open Kickoff Party: From fashion faux pas to fashion (not so) fabulous

The players arrived on the red carpet of the kickoff party, at the Fountainbleu Hotel in club LIV prior to the 2009 Sony Ericsson Open in Miami, Florida.

According to Butch Buchholz, chairman of the Sony Ericsson Open (note: read the linked article), what impresses him most about Rafael Nadal is how deceptive the world no.1 is. I agree! Nadal might look like a slob and out of place here but I hope you won't be surprised if he comes out on top in this tourney.

Maria Sharapova is trying to revive MC Hammer pants fashion trend again. I'm not joking because harem pants are really making a comeback this spring. I hope Sharapova too.

We've seen this dress a thousand times. Next!

Love that dress and love that new hairdo even more! But Venus Williams still lack of fabulosity.

If only Nadal dressed like James Bond minus the bow tie. I mean James Blake.

(Images by Marc Serota/Getty Images for Sony Ericsson)

Serena Williams serves up "Signature Statement" at Sony Ericsson Open press conference

Serena Williams unveiled her Signature Statement exclusive fashion and accessories collection for Home Shopping Network (HSN) yesterday.

And it was actually done during the pre-tourney press conference at Tennis Center at Crandon Park, Miami.

Blame the credit crunch!

Serena said, “I always want to make a statement, both on and off the court."

"One of my dreams has always been to share gorgeous gifts of fashion and luxury with the world. Off the court, my passion is fashion."

"Signature Statement is my own line of accessories and fashion, complete from jewelry to dresses.”

By collaborating with HSN, Serena joins the likes of Iman and Paula Abdul, who have also developed their own line of accessories.

And like Iman and Paula Abdul, Serena is totally involved in designing the collection.

The collection will be officially launched at HSN on April 30th, 2009.

(Via celebrityclothingline.com, Images by Al Bello/Getty Images North America)

Fernando Verdasco gets touchy-feely with Camilla Belle (and proud of it!)

Great Tennis Photos and JustJared revealed more photos of Fernando Verdasco and Camilla Belle at Indian Wells recently.

Updates: Apparently Camille and Joe Jonas are still together and rumoured to be hunting for a love nest!

(Images via Great Tennis Photos, JustJared)