Lindsay Davenport

The U.S. Open of tennis started this week in New York. And sadly this could be the last hurrah for one of the greats of women's tennis, Lindsay Davenport.

If you aren't an avid tennis fan you may not know Lindsay to be a great player. She has been up and down the tennis rankings several times. She has ended and started years at number 1 while suffering injuries and other set backs that drop her ranking during the year. That's not something a lot of players can do. If their ranking slips they usually can't get back up for another season or two.

One of the big reasons for Lindsay's success is that she listens to her body. While at times playing through pain she wouldn't start tournaments hoping to play through that pain. If it was just something minor sure she played. However, if it was something that lingered or wasn't getting better while playing she would take time off. It didn't matter to her that she might slip in the rankings her health and being able to show up for the fans mattered to her. Tennis mattered to her.

Until this year Lindsay had never withdrawn during a match. And in fact I'm not sure she actually withdrew during a match this season either. She had to withdraw during a tournament but, that was between matches. Lindsay is the consummate professional and she was there to play and knew people paid to see her play. I've seen her call for the trainer to have things taped or looked at but, she sucked it up and finished the match. She knew it would probably mean losing and that was okay as long as she went out and gave it everything she could. That is something that means a lot to the fans. When you can gut it out it shows them something. They appreciate it and they support you more.

No one expected Lindsay to comeback after having a baby. In fact she herself had said she would be done when she started a family. However, she did comeback after having her son. Her primary reason was to make the Olympic team again. And she did that. It has not been easy, she has again developed problems with her knee but, she fought through it as much as possible and even won a couple tournaments. Overall she has 92 titles. That is an impressive number.

I think all tennis fans have looked to the U.S. Open as Lindsay's last stand. Especially once the knee acted up. Would we like to see her go on longer? Yes, we would because she is a great athlete and person. She is very unassuming and it is never about her it is always about the game. That will be one of her greatest legacies.

She is currently into the third round of the Open and hopefully she'll go a couple rounds deeper. If things fall right she could go very deep into the draw. No matter how deep she goes it will be a great run and should this be it for her she will be greatly missed.