Kim Clijsters retires at 24.

Belgium's top women tennis player, Kim Clijsters announced today on her personnal website (www.kimclijsters.be) that she retires from tennis immediatly. At only 24 years old, it's a bit of a surprise but she explains the reasons of her retirement in her online diary.

Textually, here are the reasons she gave to her fans in her online diary: ''The recurring injuries, having difficulty in getting out of bed in the morning, needing about an hour to get all the muscles warmed up, the demanding preparations of the marriage with Brian... It all makes things a bit difficult to keep on going.

Quitting tennis at an age of nearly 24 is pretty young still. I could have easily gone on and still reel in the four major big earners (three Grand Slams and the Masters). Money is important, but not the most important in my life. Health and happiness are so much more key to life.''

Clijsters has won 34 WTA tour titles and 1 Grand Slam title. (2005 U.S Open) She has also been ranked No1 during her career.

She will get married with Brian Lynch on next July 14th.

(Picture: Getty images)