Former world number one Kim Clijsters of Belgium was knocked out of the women's singles quarterfinals at the Wimbledon Championships on Tuesday.

The eighth seed Clijsters managed to win the opening set 6-4, but lost the following two sets to the 21st seed Vera Zvonareva from Russia 4-6, 2-6.

"Disappointed," said Clijsters who showed up at the grass-court Grand Slam tournament after a three-year absence from the All England Club. "It's too bad I wasn't able to come up with my best at the important time in the match."

Clijsters came from behind to edge her compatriot Justine Henin and reached the quarterfinals on Monday. While facing Zvonareva on Tuesday, Clijsters said she was kept under pressure by her opponent, with whom she held a 5-0 head-to-head record.

"She hits the ball very hard, flat and deep. It was up to me to try to go for the lines, open up the court a little bit more, especially to her forehand. I was trying to pull her out of the court a little bit. But she was really on top of my game I felt today," said Clijsters.

Clijsters, 27, announced her retirement in May 2007 but declared her return almost two years later.

In only her third tournament back, she won her second US Open title, becoming the first unranked player and wildcard to win the tournament.

"I think I'm more focused than I used to be," said Clijsters. "This is my first time back at Wimbledon. I haven't been back for a year yet. Obviously it takes time."

【体坛英语资讯：Former world No.1 Clijsters suffers quarterfinal defeat at Wimbledon】相关文章：

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt expecting twins

★ 体坛英语资讯：Alonso and Hamilton wait on FIA hearings

★ 体坛英语资讯：Liu Xiang wins mens 110 meters hurdles gold at Olympic test event

★ 娱乐英语资讯：Longoria has some advice for Simpson

★ 体坛英语资讯：Rooneys return perfectly timed for United

★ 体坛英语资讯：1st torchbearer: Beijing Olympic Games to be big success

★ 体坛英语资讯：Yao, LeBron earn NBA honors for January

★ 体坛英语资讯：Zenit lift UEFA Cup in historical glory

★ 体坛英语资讯：Woods ties record with 63, grabs two-shot lead

★ 体坛英语资讯：CFA Chief: China willing to host 2018 World Cup