Davenport dazzles in comeback

NUSA DUA, Indonesia: Former world No 1 Lindsay Davenport on Tuesday cruised to the first win of her post-pregnancy comeback, crushing fifth seed Eleni Daniilidou 6-2, 6-2 at the Bali International.

"I would have been happy even if I hadn't won," said the American, who claimed the first-round win with her ninth ace and won the last 20 points of the opening set.

Davenport, who is making her return to singles play here after a year away from the game, never faced a break point while breaking the Greek's serve three times during the match, which lasted just 45 minutes.

"It's all about being back on the court," said the three-time Grand Slam winner, who gave birth to son Jagger just three months ago.

The 31-year-old Californian, who has won 51 titles, last played a year ago in Beijing when she announced she was leaving the game for the joys of home and hearth.

That vow lasted until barely a month after the June birth, with Davenport now committed to Bali plus the WTA event next week in the Chinese capital.

After that, she will make a decision about her plans for 2008, possibly beginning in January in Australia.

Davenport - who is travelling with Jagger, mother Ann, a hitting partner and a nanny - was clearly surprised by her solid performance at the tournament here, which she won in 2005.

"This is such a challenge for me," she said.

"I'm trying to focus and be concentrated. I'm really happy that I won. You never know what to expect - to play this way is very exciting and means a lot to me."

Davenport next faces fellow American Julie Ditty, who opened with a 6-2, 6-1 win against Czech Hana Sromova.

AFP

(China Daily 09/13/2007 page24)