US Open: Kim Clijsters sets out plan to beat Laura Robson

Kim Clijsters plans to take Britain's Laura Robson "out of her comfort zone" when they meet in the second round of the US Open on Wednesday.

Clijsters, who has won the tournament three times, is looking to finish her career with a fifth Grand Slam title before retiring.

The 29-year-old said: "Laura hits the ball so cleanly.

"It's going to be very important to go for the lines and try to get her out of her comfort zone a little bit."

Clijsters' coach Carl Maes knows all about Robson, who secured her place in the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 6-3 7-6 (8-6) victory over American qualifier Samantha Crawford on Monday.

Maes was head of women's tennis at the Lawn Tennis Association from 2006 to 2009, having previously spent four years as head of its academy, and saw Robson win the Wimbledon girls' singles title in 2008.

"I remember hitting with Laura at Wimbledon, and I know Carl had some kind of influence," Clijsters said.

"I don't think it was a private coaching job, but I'm sure that he would have had an influence when he was at the LTA. I hope he can give me some tips."

Number 23 seed Clijsters, who reached the second round at Flushing Meadows with a 6-3 6-1 win over Grand Slam debutant Victoria Duval, has followed Robson's progress since seeing her at the Wimbledon junior championships in 2010.

She said: "I remember watching one of her junior matches, when she played against a Belgian girl, An-Sophie Mestach.

"I've followed her results since then. She's a great ball striker.

"I think, physically, when she first came on to the Tour, she was able to improve a lot. She has a very good eye for the ball, so it's going to be a tough one."

Robson, 18, has never played against Clijsters before, but has the opportunity to end the Belgian's Grand Slam career.

Clijsters is retiring at the end of the season to spend more time with her family.

Robson told BBC Sport: "She's playing really well at the moment, and it's her last tournament, so I'm sure she's going to be very, very pumped up."