Davenport Makes Own Memories

Whatever happy memories of the Manhattan Beach tournament that may have lingered in the recesses of Steffi Graf’s mind were probably obliterated in the 62 minutes it took Lindsay Davenport to defeat her Saturday afternoon in the semifinals of the Acura Classic.

Nine years ago to the day that an 18-year-old Graf attained the No. 1 ranking for the first time--a ranking she has scarcely relinquished--Graf lost to the 10th-ranked Davenport, 6-3, 6-3. It was only the second tour loss for Graf this season and the first time in two years that an American has defeated the world’s top player.

Whatever the loss may signal about Graf’s near future--problems with her chronically painful back or lack of timing after a five-week injury hiatus--the victory symbolizes a sea change in Davenport’s fortunes. A player who for so long has been so close to the next level may gain greatly from a triumph over Graf.

It also gives credence to the argument that Davenport’s recently earned Olympic gold medal may have been the confidence boost that will propel the 20-year-old into the top five for the first time.

Davenport will play second-seeded Anke Huber today in the final at 2 p.m. Huber defeated seventh-seeded Karina Habsudova in Saturday night’s semifinal, 7-6 (7-3), 6-3.

For Davenport, defeating Graf may mean as much as winning the tournament.

“It means so much to me that I was able to finally pull it out,” Davenport said. “I’ve been close so many times before, and to win in a semi-convincing fashion . . . and against Steffi--she’s probably the greatest player who ever lived.”

She might have said the greatest player who almost never loses. Few players hate losing more than Graf, and few lose fewer sets. The last time Graf lost in straight sets was to Mary Pierce in 1994.

After missing the Australian Open again this year--because of surgery to remove bone spurs in her left foot--Graf has fashioned another remarkable season. She lost to Kimiko Date in a Fed Cup match, but on the WTA Tour Graf has been, as always, nearly invincible.

She lost on clay to Martina Hingis earlier this year, and pronounced herself disgusted with her effort. That loss energized Graf, who went on to win the French Open and Wimbledon--her 20th Grand Slam tournament title.

The victories have come in spite of nagging injuries. Tendinitis in her left knee kept Graf off the tour since Wimbledon, kept her out of the Olympics and landed Graf here for her first tournament back.

Whether she returns to the tournament is questionable.

“All week long I haven’t been able to do what I’m used to,” Graf, 27, said. “I haven’t had a very good feel for my forehand. I’m not stepping in. I didn’t have confidence in my shots.

“From the beginning of the first set I tried, but I felt like I didn’t have any timing. I couldn’t get myself up to fight for each point. She wasn’t making mistakes.”

Graf struggled during the clay-court season and solved her problems on the court by playing through them. No doubt the same will happen now, on the eve of the U.S. Open.

She dismissed suggestions that her back might be bothering her. But Graf--who is known for her fluid and deft footwork--was sluggish and made only token attempts to get to some balls.

Graf rarely offers injury or infirmity as an excuse, but clearly she was off her game.

And Davenport was at the height of hers. Seldom does any player dictate all aspects of a match involving Graf the way Davenport did Saturday. She served well, she pinned Graf on the baseline with deep ground strokes and hit winner after winner with a lashing backhand.

Graf’s forehand, her signature stroke, was inefficient. The loss of that weapon left her defenseless against Davenport.

Davenport broke in the fourth game of the first set, an advantage that was negated in the next game when Graf broke back. One more break in the sixth game was enough for Davenport to take the set.

Graf moved around the court in a constant state of frustration, miming correct strokes after having executed errant ones. She sat in her chair during changeovers shaking her head. Seldom is Graf’s body language anything other than brisk and confident.

She was broken to open the second set and it was obvious that there was nothing she could do to stop Davenport.

“I think the Olympics gave me a lot of confidence,” Davenport said. “It’s something I can build on, I think I can beat almost anyone, hopefully.”

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Holding Court

Saturday’s loss was only the second on the WTA Tour this season for Steffi Graf. A look at Graf over the last five seasons, and her career totals: *--*

Year Wins Losses Percentage Money 1992 71 7 .910 $1,657,541 1993 76 6 .926 $2,809,012 1994 58 6 .906 $1,481,670 1995 47 2 .959 $2,538,620 1996 37 2 .949 $1,555,053 Totals 803 93 .896 $18,374,222

*--*

Source: COREL WTA TOUR Media Information System