Clijsters makes decision next week
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Kim Clijsters remains doubtful for the Australian Open
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PERTH, Australia -- Kim Clijsters will wait until next week before deciding whether or not to resume training and take part in the Australian Open.
The Belgian world No.2's hopes of playing in the opening grand slam of the year suffered a blow on Wednesday when she hobbled out of a warm-up event with an ankle injury.
Doctors said they were only "cautiously optimistic" she would be fit in time for the January 19th start in Melbourne.
Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee said Clijsters had been taking it easy.
"She is in the hotel resting her ankle, so fingers crossed...," he said.
Clijsters injured her left ankle during a Hopman Cup match against Australia's Alicia Molik at the Burswood Dome in Perth.
She was taken to hospital in the west Australian city for an MRI scan.
The medical report said: "Because of the specific form of strain, there is a swelling as well as an inflammation in the heel around the back of the ankle joint."
A statement on Clijsters' website said: "Only when the swelling has diminished will it be clear what really is the matter.
"Only next week will it be decided whether or not Kim will take on training again. If not, her participation at the Australian Open is in danger."
Having lost in the final of three grand slams -- twice at the French Open and in the 2003 U.S. Open -- Clijsters had high hopes of breaking her duck heading to Melbourne Park.
