Clijsters enters French Open despite knee problem

Former world number one Kim Clijsters [ Images ], a doubtful starter for the French Open [ Images ] because of a knee injury, said on Saturday she would definitely play in the Grand Slam tournament starting on Monday.

The Belgian, a runner-up at Roland Garros [ Images ] in 2003 and 2001, strained ligaments in her right knee in a warm-up event and had feared she might have to miss the highlight of the claycourt season for the second successive year.

"I'll try to play a good match in the first round," said the 21-year-old, who is seeded 14th and will meet a qualifier in the opening round.

Her knee was taped for her practice session with France's [ Images ] Tatiana Golovin [ Images ] on Saturday.

"The last couple of days I've been building up my practice sessions," she said. "Today was the first time I actually played some points. I was still a little shaky.

"I have to be careful and look after my body really well. Then, hopefully, I can build up my game and try to feel comfortable.

"It's a challenge but I'm going to go for it."