Kim Clijsters's storied tennis career came to an end on Wednesday afternoon in New York City, as Clijsters lost to Great Britain's Laura Robson 7-6 (7-4), 7-6 (7-5) in the second round of play at the 2012 U.S. Open.
Clijsters announced prior to the tournament that she planned on retiring at the end of the 2012 U.S. Open, though few expected her run to end in the second round.
Clijsters previously won the U.S. Open on three occasions, winning it in 2005, 2009 and 2010. Her losing effort on Wednesday was the first time she has lost at Flushing since 2003, when she lost in the finals. Clijsters did not participate in 2006 because of a wrist injury, and then went into retirement -- which did not last long.
Robson, meanwhile, advances to the third round with the win, and will face China's Na Li.
For the latest on the 2012 U.S. Open, head over to SB Nation's tennis hub.
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