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Davenport's burden Friend's illness keeps 1999 champion focused
LONDON -- Waves of contrasting emotion tumbled over Lindsay Davenport as she returned to Wimbledon on Tuesday. Champion here two years ago, the lawns of the All England Club will forever hold cherished memories for her. She also won the women's doubles title here that year with her fellow American Corina Morariu. But when memories of that triumph, achieved alongside her dear friend, surfaced Tuesday, she was awash with more painful thoughts.
Morariu isn't at Wimbledon this year. She's in the United States fighting leukemia at the age of just 23. Davenport could only dwell on how empty the locker room felt without her pal around. It's the place they'd chatted and chuckled, gossiped and giggled, celebrated and commiserated so many times. Corina's absence left an unfillable void. But Davenport, a comfortable straight sets winner in her opening Wimbledon match, is still managing to draw on the courage of her doubles partner to telling effect, saying: "It's a cliche I know, but her condition helps put everything into perspective. Getting upset on the court, it's really not worth it."
Winning or losing a tennis match means nothing alongside this struggle for life. The knee injury that kept Davenport out from the end of March until last week's title at Eastbourne clearly pales too. Going all the way to a third successive Wimbledon final would be pleasing. Seeing Morariu continue her fight with such high spirits, seeing her get well again, would be thrilling. Perspective, perspective all around. It might just carry Davenport all the way to Wimbledon glory once again. Yes, she could well collect that large and coveted trophy here this fortnight. But you know, the letter "C" for Corina on Davenport's necklace -- her way of keeping constant contact with her friend -- is much more important to this championship contender. That makes Davenport a champion every step of the Wimbledon way. Phil Jones is co-host of World Sport, the international sports show that airs live on CNN/Sports Illustrated and CNN International.
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