Los Angeles, Aug 09: Kim Clijsters is edging closer to replacing Serena Williams as the top-ranked female player in the world, but you can't tell from talking to her.
Reminded that she is just two wins away from becoming no.1, the 20-year-old Belgian expressed surprise yesterday.
"I don't think I can do it," said top seed Clijsters, after winning easily over Russia's Svetlana Kuznetsova 6-3 6-1 in a quarter-final match at the Los Angeles WTA Tournament.
But after a quick check with WTA tour officials, Clijsters was assured she can pass the injured William's sister if she wins the Los Angeles tournament.
"I just want to focus on my next match, and I will see what happens if I get to the finals," said Clijsters.

"It doesn't matter what happens now. My American season has still been incredible."

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Clijsters needed just 51 minutes to polish off the 18-year-old Kuznetsova and reach the semi-finals of the 635,000 dollar hardcourt event.

Clijsters fell behind 2-1 in the first set before winning nine straight games. She raised her won/loss record this year to 64-8.

"I felt good out there," said Clijsters. "She hits with a lot of spin balls which sets up good for me. I was able to keep her under pressure."

Clijsters will meet Italy's Francesca Schiavone for the right to play in tomorrow's final.
Bureau Report