Melbourne: Belgium's Kim Clijsters, known as 'Aussie Kim' to her Australian fans, said she had finally earned the nickname after winning the Australian Open on Saturday.
Clijsters, referred to as 'Aussie Kim' since her engagement to Australian star Lleyton Hewitt, finally claimed the Australian title at her ninth attempt as she beat China's Li Na in three sets.
"I finally feel like you guys can call me 'Aussie Kim' because I won the title," she said.
"I've been coming here for many years and you guys have always been amazing. I really appreciate it."
Clijsters also followed through on a promise to thank a dentist who fixed a cracked front tooth shortly after her arrival in Melbourne
"I couldn't even open my mouth, I was so embarrassed," she said. "(The dentist) didn't want to get paid or anything. He said, 'if you win it, just mention me'.
"And I said, 'okay, I'll do it', never thinking that I would be in that position. But I'm happy I was able to do it."
Clijsters also thanked her uncle for indulging her by wearing a pair of green 'lucky pants' that she thought would help her win.