Written by: David Williams

Lindsay Davenport: The tennis legend who served up greatness

Lindsay Davenport is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time, with a staggering 55 WTA Tour singles titles, including three major championships, and a stint as the world's number one singles player for a total of 98 weeks.

A Tennis Prodigy

Born on June 8, 1976, in Palos Verdes, California, Davenport was destined for greatness. Her father, Wink Davenport, was a member of the U.S. volleyball team at the 1968 Summer Olympics, and her mother, Ann Jeberjahn, was the president of the Southern California Volleyball Association. With athleticism running through her veins, Davenport took up tennis at the tender age of six and quickly fell in love with the sport.

Rise to Prominence

Under the guidance of coach Robert Lansdorp, who had previously coached Tracy Austin, Davenport's talent and dedication earned her a spot among the world's top junior players. Her big break came in 1996, when she won the gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics, defeating Arantxa Sánchez Vicario in the final.

Tennis Achievements

Davenport's impressive career is marked by numerous achievements, including:

• Three major singles titles: Australian Open (2000), Wimbledon (1999), and US Open (1998)
• Four consecutive years as the year-end singles world number one (1998, 2001, 2004, and 2005)
• Three major doubles titles: French Open (1996), Wimbledon (1999), and US Open (1997)
• Three consecutive Tour Finals titles (1996-1998)

Her remarkable career earnings of $22,166,338 place her 16th on the all-time list among female tennis players.

Awards and Honors

In recognition of her outstanding contributions to tennis, Davenport was:

• Inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2014
• Ranked as the 29th greatest player (male or female) of the preceding 40 years by TENNIS Magazine in 2005

Personal Life and Legacy

Off the court, Davenport is known for her kind-hearted nature and dedication to charitable causes. She has been married to Jonathan Leach, her coach and manager, since 2003, and they have two children together. Her legacy continues to inspire a new generation of tennis players, cementing her place as one of the all-time greats in the sport.

Lindsay Davenport's remarkable career serves as a testament to her hard work, perseverance, and passion for tennis. Her achievements on and off the court have made her a beloved figure in the sport, and her contributions will be remembered for generations to come.