Clijsters, who will retire before the end of season, played what was probably her final match in the United States on Monday, exiting quietly in the fourth round of the Sony Ericsson with a 4-6 6-4 6-1 defeat to China's Li Na.

Looking ahead to her upcoming marriage to American basketball player Brian Lynch after Wimbledon, Clijsters has not confirmed her schedule for the remainder of the year.

However, the world number five could skip the U.S. Open in August as it clashes with her honeymoon, despite having claimed her only grand slam title at Flushing Meadows in 2005.

By contrast, Henin has only recently returned to courts, seeking comfort in the arms of an old love as she recovers from a failed relationship.

After missing the early part of the season, Henin has been quick to rekindle her passion for the sport, posting a 13-1 record on her way to back-to-back titles in Dubai and Doha and the number one ranking.

"It's like I love to play tennis; I love to fight," Henin told reporters. "Sometimes you don't play your best, but you have to keep going and fight on every point.

"There were a lot of changes in my life. I think I need a little bit of time emotionally to find a good balance again.

FONDEST MEMORIES

"That remains pretty private and very personal. But making decisions is tough for everyone and that's life.

"In your life you have to make decisions and to assume that. But it's been a big change in my life, and even if I feel good, I feel happy now, I just have to find my place again on the circuit, in my life."

Miami has never been kind to Henin, who has never advanced past the quarter-finals, but for 2005 champion Clijsters, tennis in the U.S. has provided the source of some of her fondest memories.

"I have cried," Clijsters said. "A few weeks ago in Antwerp there were a few tears.

"By now maybe all the tears are gone and they're just trying to fill up again.

"My finance is American so we will be spending a lot of time in America.

"But tennis wise, looking at one of my best memories, I've always loved playing on the West coast.

"The people here in America, they show their emotion and that's something I really like.

"When you're playing, I think one of the most fun places to play is at the U.S. Open where people are yelling and screaming and getting into matches."