Gap is closing on Williams sisters, says Clijsters

“In the beginning, when they (Serena and Venus) started playing finals against each other, I think a lot of people were getting bored.

“Now I think it’s great for women’s tennis to see a few players that can compete against them – maybe not always win, but have really good matches against them.

“I think that is what tennis is all about. It’s competing against the best.”

The 19-year-old Belgian second seed said she was not driven by the prospect of taking the world No.1 spot from Serena.

“I like seeing my name on the No.2 ranking at the moment – it doesn’t seem quite real,” she said. “It’s a weird feeling I think.”

“That’s why I just want to enjoy being No.2 and then we’ll see if I can keep up the results. If I can get to No.1, that would be an unbelievable feeling,” Clijsters said.

“If not I would still be happy. I can tell my kids when I’m older that I was No.2 in the world. That would be great as well.”

Clijsters had to fight back from a set down to defeat Mauresmo 3-6, 7-6 (7-3), 6-0 yesterday.

A beaten finalist here in 2000 and 2001, Mauresmo admitted her three set win against Serena on Saturday had taken its toll.

“I was pushing and pushing and I ran out of energy,” said the 23-year-old Frenchwoman, who was two points from victory when serving at 6-5 in the second set.

Mauresmo was delighted with her electric start but admitted she ran out of steam in the deciding set.

“I wanted to begin well and take control of the game and that’s exactly what I did,” she said.

“I was very relaxed and not too tense, so I could play my game they way I wanted to. But when Kim drew level at one set all, I felt I couldn’t give much more.

“That’s just the way it is. She had an easier match than me on Saturday.

“But you’ve got to give her credit for staying in the match and finally winning it. Hopefully next time it will go my way.”