Present at Lotto Brussels Premier Padel, she is an essential link behind the scenes. A woman full of energy and always smiling, she accompanies VIPs and works in the “communication” cell with Sabine Appelmans. On Saturday, she will play the celebrity match.
Elke Clijsters, we left you on a tennis court. We'll see you in the padel cage. When did you discover your new passion?
”I was spending a vacation in Alicante as part of a wellness stay. I saw the two padel courts. As I am curious, I wanted to try. In 2019, we weren't talking about padel at all in Belgium. I immediately fell in love with it. I took some lessons in Spain. I was immediately gifted.”
Do you play often?
”No, I can't play that often. I have two children and busy weeks. I try to train twice a week. As a teacher, I give lessons in Hasselt. I played in the interclubs too. A few years ago I was number one in Flanders. Last week I played in the Senior World Cup in Spain. In particular, I beat the 196th in the world. I’ve been playing for over 35 years.”
Has tennis helped you?
“Yes of course. I played a lot of tennis. I used to have a racket in my hand. On the fly, this was very useful to me. I understand the game more easily. My positioning is natural. My game is intuitive. There is this feeling that cannot be explained.”
Do you have any regrets today? If padel had been known at the time, perhaps you would have had a great career?
“I have no regrets. I never live with these feelings. A part of me says that if I had started padel when I was little, I could have reached the international level. I might have been on the field during the Lotto Brussels Premier Padel. But, I don't live with these thoughts. I am happy to be there in my role with Sabine Appelmans. I help the tournament in other ways. I bring my energy, my contacts to Flanders…”
The comparison with Kim doesn't bother me. She built her life. I have mine. Plus, at padel, I'm stronger than her (laughs).
If you had been a professional padel player, the media would have compared you less to your sister Kim who was world number one and winner of 523 matches, 41 titles including four Grand Slams. Have you not suffered from the comparison?
”The comparison doesn’t bother me. She built her life. I have mine. Plus, at padel, I'm stronger than her (laughs). We have already played together several times. She is especially a fan of pickleball, which is a hit in the United States. I am proud of my sister.”
In your family, your dad Lei, a former Red Devil, also had his hour of glory, notably winning the Golden Shoe in 1988. He unfortunately died in 2009. What would he think of his daughter if he saw you today? today?
”I think from the bottom of my heart that he would be proud of me. Here, I'm not talking about padel or the reality TV show. He would be proud to see that I am doing what I love. I am a humble, smiling person, full of energy and above all happy. I love my life. It was his dearest wish. I stayed true to myself.”
You were talking about your presence on the reality TV show, “Bachelorette”. Thanks to her, you became a big star in Flanders…
”I don’t feel like a star or a famous person. My sister is famous. My father is famous. I took part in a television show. I don’t feel the need to be recognized in the street.”
Tennis player, mother, BV, padel player… At 39, you have already written many chapters in your life!
“I love my life. I'm curious about everything. I like to discover everything. The common thread of all my choices is sport. Sport will always be part of my life. So far, everything has always gone well.”
Are your children sporty?
”Yes, but they don’t play tennis (laughs). My daughter Cléo practices dance. My son Cruz Léo opted for football. I wanted him to play a team sport. He loves it.”
On social networks, you are willingly active. Is this a need for you?
”I really like posting. I am aware that networks can have a negative effect. I strive to convey positive messages. I want to rock some good vibes. I am not on the side of fakes but of reality.”
You are almost 40 years old. What is your next challenge or dream?
”I would really like to play in the Senior World Cup again in two years. I would also like to travel, grow as a person and of course see my children be happy. A normal life in short.”
