World takes note of Clijsters' Dubai comeback

It's been almost eight years since Kim Clijsters set foot on a tennis court to play in a professional match. Although time seemed to slip away, Clijsters' love for the game never wavered. On Monday, the four-time Grand Slam champion competed in her first match since the 2012 US Open.

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Clijsters was faced with a difficult challenge right out of the gate in Dubai. Standing across the net was Garbine Muguruza, a two-time Grand Slam champion and this year's Australian Open finalist. Even though Clijsters would fall 6-2, 7-6 (6),  her high-level of play got everyone talking.

In the first set, the Belgian let double faults hinder her from holding serve. But she showcased great ball-striking and physical endurance. This point at 3-1 showcasds Clijsters signature ability to track down balls.

Clijsters displayed glimpses of tremendous play, but the Spaniard relentlessly fired away on serve, smashing eight aces.

In the second set, Muguruza kept building off her first-set momentum and quickly went up 3-0; it looked like she would storm to the finish line. Instead, Clijsters dug deep.

As the clock struck 9 p.m., Clijsters continued to go for her shots, even finishing points off at the net, to push the set into a tiebreaker. Clijsters captured the mini-break right away to lead 2-0. But Mugurza refused to let the clash go three sets. It's never easy playing an opponent who's been away for so long, as the weight of expectations can apply even more pressure.

Many current and former tennis players chimed in on Twitter on Clijsters' return, before, during and after the match.

American youngster Caty McNally is excited to see the champion in action.

Even Billie Jean King welcomed the former No. 1 back to the WTA tour.

Clijsters won 41 WTA titles in her career, and her hunt for more will continue in 2020.