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Warm, fuzzy Davenport Last year's finalist has taken the long road back
Updated: Wednesday July 04, 2001 5:00 PM
LONDON -- Reaching last year's Wimbledon final was a major achievement for Lindsay Davenport. Yes, she was disappointed in defeat. But the American wasn't overly distraught about losing her title to Venus Williams. You see, the fact Davenport managed to reach the championship decider was a remarkable feat of perseverance and endurance in the face of injury and pain. Davenport had her battles and scares along the way, but somehow survived to walk out on Centre Court for women's finals day on Saturday. Others might have waved the white flag long before. Now she's set to face Venus again, this time in the semis. This time with the playing field -- or Centre Court -- absolutely level.
Davenport has had her injury woes this year. A knee problem resulted in the longest inactive spell in her top-flight career. She only made her comeback at the Wimbledon warm-up in Eastbourne. But what a comeback. Davenport swept to the title and has carried that imperious form into Wimbledon. She crushed Kim Cijsters in the quarterfinals, displaying the form of a champion. "I'm happy that I was able to take a break like that -- which for me was a long time -- and still come out playing really well," said the 1999 title winner. "It's exciting. It's nice to know that I didn't lose too much out. People were saying 'Her movement is slower.' People have said that for years. Somehow I've managed to be in the top two or three for four years now."
Davenport also lost to Venus in last year's U.S. Open final, where she led early on after a barnstorming start only to inexplicably lose her way. A chance, then, for revenge at the double. It would also be one for the good gals. Davenport is as gracious as they come on the tennis circuit. Heck, as delightful as they come in the entire sporting world. The Williams sisters, alas, can't hold a candle to her in this department. Serena's been surly throughout. The sun appeared to shine brighter on Wednesday with Serena gone, her gloom along with her. Venus has been somewhat brighter, but not altogether accommodating. I could expand, but it would be a novel way of handing in my resignation -- so I'll resist. Let me state, instead, that seeing Davenport in the final would lend itself to warm and fuzzy feelings -- for the person and player she is and the impressively seamless return from injury she's made. Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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