Lindsay finds magic on clay
Top-seed rallies against Clijsters and continues her bid to win a major on clay
 Lionel Cironneau / AP Lindsay Davenport's chances at making a serious run at the French Open women's singles title have been boosted by the way she has battled on the red clay, which is not her favorite surface, says Bud Collins of NBCSports.com. |
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Bud Collins |
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PARIS - Lindsay Davenport played the match of her life on clay in coming back from a set and a break down to upset 2003 French Open finalist Kim Clijsters, 1-6, 7-5, 6-3 and reach the quarterfinals.
Courage
conquers
It’s rare to state that a No. 1-ranked player in the world pulled an upset, but Davenport had lost to the faster Clijsters six straight times going into this match, and had struggled in her three prior contests this fortnight on the red clay of Roland Garros against no-names, pulling out three-set victories.
She showed as much courage in this first week than she has at anytime during her career.
Moreover, with her victory, the last American standing in Paris saved U.S. tennis from setting the record for the worst American performance in Roland Garros’ 80-year history. Had Davenport lost, American sportswriters would have spent much time writing about the dire state of U.S. tennis.
Instead, the U.S. press can celebrate the heroic efforts of a veteran on the tricky red clay. Like she has all week long, Davenport kept fighting, knowing that Clijsters has been dealing with a knee injury and was playing in her first Grand Slam in more than a year.
Clijsters' collapse
The Belgian had Davenport on a string in the first set and a half, but doubts began to creep into her head and she lost all rhythm on her serve and forehand.
Plus, her leg was so heavily strapped up she looked like she just came off the set of "The Curse of the Mummy."
Usually Clijsters will go through a three-to-four game period where she’s out of sorts and then she quickly regains her steam. But against Davenport she looked completely lost, while the top-seeded American kept hammering her with well-placed serves, flat returns and big forehands.
The Davenport who has consistently folded under the weight of Clijsters’ speed and quick counterpunching was no longer visible. And it was the three-time Grand Slam champion who took charge of the match late and who held her head high.
She sensed Clijsters' anger and frustration and used it against her.
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