Kim Clijsters has compared competing in the Olympics with going on a school trip.

The 29-year-old Belgian, who is retiring from tennis at the end of the year, is taking part in her first Games in London this summer.

"You kind of feel like you are going on a school trip, when we took the train and we were all dressed the same and had our backpacks," the four-time Grand Slam winner told reporters.

"It was fun and it was exciting, having been on tour for 15 years, to have a new experience. I look forward to just getting to feel what the Olympic atmosphere is like. I am not really thinking about retirement until I have come to that. I am still here because I want to do well and I want to play good tennis."

Clijsters has been drawn against American Christina McHale in the first round of the Olympic tournament.