Clijsters delighted with Australian success

Australian Open champion Kim Clijsters has been showing off her Daphne Akhurst trophy at a Melbourne beach after defeating China's Li Na.

The Belgian arrived at Brighton Beach and posed for photos wearing a silk, white dress and looking refreshed barely 12 hours after beating Li in a three-set thriller 3-6 6-3 6-3.

The three-times US Open champion said it felt good to finally win a grand slam outside of New York.

"It does because I always felt a little bit frustrated when before I lost in the semis. I want to do well for the fans, but also for myself because this is a place I really love coming to and I enjoy the support that I've gotten. So it's nice in a way to give back to the Australian people."

Australians had taken Clijsters to their hearts when she was romantically involved with local hero Lleyton Hewitt and Clijsters hinted she may be back to defend her title.

"Yes I hope so if I stay healthy and everything keeps going well. I'm balancing family life so why not?"