Golovin in tennis comeback after 11-year absence

The 31-year-old Golovin, a former world number 12 and a US Open quarterfinalist in 2006, was forced to retire aged 20 due to lower back inflammation.

Published : Sep 13, 2019 22:33 IST , PARIS

Golovin, who was born in Russia and spent years training in Florida, won both of her two WTA titles in 2007.

Golovin, who was born in Russia and spent years training in Florida, won both of her two WTA titles in 2007.

French player Tatiana Golovin said on Friday she will return to competitive tennis despite having retired 11 years ago, a day after Kim Clijsters announced her shock comeback.

The 31-year-old Golovin, a former world number 12 and a US Open quarterfinalist in 2006, was forced to retire aged 20 due to lower back inflammation.

“The idea has been taking shape for a year and since this summer I’ve been really serious about it,” she told French television channel BeIN Sports, where she works as a pundit.

“The goal was to be ready early next year, but things are going fast and now I plan to resume perhaps by mid-October.”

Golovin, who was born in Russia and spent years training in Florida, won both of her two WTA titles in 2007.

Former world number one and four-time Grand Slam champion Clijsters, 36, will return to the WTA Tour next season seven years after retiring for a second time.