 | Born: 8/6/76 Nationality: American Seeded: 5 World ranking: 5 Australian Open best:
Champion (2000) Recent record:
2003: 4th round
2002: n/a
2001: Semi-final |
The fact that Davenport is playing in Melbourne at all comes as something of a surprise after speculation that she was set to retire at the end of 2003. The American has a long-term foot injury which is likely to end her career eventually but she is ready to have at least one more year on the circuit.
It is a mark of her ability that Davenport has managed to remain in the world's top five despite the injuries, and her record in Australia is good.
Three semi-finals and one title in her last five appearances prove her consistency.
And, although the foot problem hampers her, Davenport has never been one of the tour's most agile players.
The 27-year-old excels in hitting the ball relentlessly hard and flat, making her opponents do the running around, and she has the experience of being a three-time Grand Slam winner.
It would be a major surprise if Davenport were to add a fourth but there is every chance she will feature in the latter stages again.
MMIX
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