New York, Aug 25: Kim Clijsters hungers for a grand slam trophy, but the women's world number one from Belgium admits this year's US Open crown will be a tainted title without Serena and Venus Williams competing for it. "That's always going to be said of course, because in the last few grand slams they have definitely been somewhat dominant," she said. "For any winner this year there's always going to be a point where they always point that out."

Clijsters and Belgian second seed Justine Henin-Hardenne spoke here yesterday on the eve of the year's final grand slam tournament. They are favourites on the Flushing Meadows hardcourts with the Williams sisters injured.

"It's still very early to talk about any 'Belgian final,'" Henin-Hardenne said. "A lot of other players can win this tournament."

Anything less than an all-Belgian final will be a failure for the caretakers of the women's throne, ruling only with six-time slam winner Serena Williams out after knee surgery and fourth seed Venus out with a abdominal strain.



"It's going to be tough to win even if Serena and Venus aren't here," said Henin-Hardenne. "I don't feel much pressure. I don't feel like the favourite here. I think Kim is the favourite. She is number one in the world right now.

"On the paper, she is. On the court, we will see."



Clijsters, 20, is the first number one without a grand slam title, a status she longs to erase here.



"That would be nice but it takes a lot more than just saying it," Clijsters said. “With Serena and Venus pulling out, a lot of players are definitely believing more in their chances now -- are even extra motivated."


Bureau Report