Lindsay Davenport’s Parents

LINDSAY DAVENPORT’S PARENTS always believed in their daughter’s abilities. Her mom spent endless hours taking Lindsay to tennis lessons. In the 1998 United States Open, Lindsay rewarded their faith.

After moving through six preliminary rounds without losing a set, the 22-year-old Californian faced defending champion Martina Hingis in the finals. Many considered Davenport to be too slow to win a Grand Slam event, but a strength and conditioning program resulted in 30 fewer pounds and renewed self-confidence.

The 6-foot-2-inch player took a 2–1 lead over Hingis with a service break in the first set and then received a favorable call in game seven. With the game at deuce, the wind blew off Lindsay’s baseball cap on a return she hit into the net. Umpire Dessie Samuels ruled a let and ordered the point replayed. Davenport won the replay and took another service break to move in front 5–2. She eventually won the set 6–3.

After the American went up 4–2 in set two, Hingis rallied. But Davenport regained her control with a series of sharp volleys and passing shots, winning 12 of the final 15 points en route to a 7–5 victory. Davenport’s triumph marked the first win for an American-born female player in the U.S. Open since Chris Evert in 1982. As an added bonus, the new champion claimed the title on her mother’s birthday.

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POINT Lindsay Davenport’s parents played an important role in her success. The tennis star listened to her mother’s advice and responded to the caring she showed. Davenport remembered the teachings of the instructors her parents had hired. She followed in her father Wink’s footsteps as an Olympian, winning tennis gold at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He played on the fifth-place USA men’s volleyball team in the Mexico City Olympics in 1968.

The writer of Proverbs explained the importance of listening to parents. He compared the value of their teachings to garlands and necklaces awarded for achievement.

GOAL! Think of some advice your mother or father has given you.