The "Best of Belgium" exhibition event, renamed the "Best of World" after Justine Henin was replaced by Serena Williams in the match due to an elbow injury, set a new world record for attendance at a tennis match with 35,681 spectators surpassing the previous record of 30,472 set by the "Battle of the Sexes" match in 1973 featuring Billie Jean King + Bobby Riggs.
Kimmie defeated an injured ReRe (foot) 6-3, 6-2 with 18-time Grand Slammer Martina Navratilova serving as chair umpire and Roland Garros champ Francesca Schiavone making a surprise appearance.
"I was here often as a little girl to come and watch football," said Kimmie referring to her late father, Leo, who played soccer in the stadium. "That I can actually play here is very special and emotional. I said to myself a few times: 'Remember this moment well.'"
The event, held at King Baudouin Stadium, raised money for charity and marked Belgium's 6-month presidency of the European Union. It concluded with a concert and fireworks.
Check out more images from the record-setting moment below!
[Photo(s): Sport.Be]
i was present :-)
ReplyDeletecheering for serena :-) (me and my friend , so 2 out 35k of belgian people - we had a lot of fun )
match wasn't that impressive but the atmosphere was amazing !!
i liked kims dress - the yellow is very nice .. and we have to admit that justine looked nice in her dress :-)
love the feeling of sisterhood in that first photo; three women who have all matured past the pettiness of youth
ReplyDeleteAww...look at how hot Kimmie is in that gorg yellow dress!
ReplyDeleteGah! Wish I could have been there. It looks like everyone had a great time.
Isabelle,
Yay! you, for going. :) I won't hold it against you that you were in Serena's camp. ;)
Make that 2 peeps who are totes jelly of you Isabelle! I wish I could've been there too.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like it had an incredible atmosphere just from the photos alone nevermind being there.
I agree - Kimmie looks great in that bright yellow!
Serena claims to be 5'9 but she looks a lot taller than Clijsters who is supposed to be 5'8.
ReplyDeleteGo Kim! So happy for her. She's my inspiration--tennis (and winning) after baby! Wootwoot!
ReplyDelete