contents

lesport magazine march 2008

front of book
20
3 the gurus
The state of American women’s tennis

5 the stuff
Rugby’s hottest new gear

7 the kick
The possible exodus of Freddy Adu

9 the ace
Centre Court’s extreme makeover

11 the chill
X-games athletes in the Olympics

13 the splash
Ian Thorpe prepares for Beijing

features
16 15 welcome

16 culture clash?
Dubai’s sports scene is booming, but is it compromising its values in
the process? By Joannie Tims

20 tennis teaser
Serbian star Novak Djokovic has wowed crowds with his talent and
his charm. By Tim Akins

24 cyclical concerns
A dark cloud of steroids looms over the Tour de France, but how is
the cycling world really coping? By Daniel Martinez

24 back of book

29 the hot spots

British Columbia’s must-see spots

31 the wire

32 the lens
Cricket in India

On the cover:
Novak Djokovic reacts during a match at the
2007 Australian Open.
Photo by Jamelle Johanssen.
 LeSPORT
EDITORIAL

LeSport Readers,
Editor-in-chief
GRAHAM SCHROEDER

Associate Editor
ALEX JOHNSON
The first time I saw Novak Djokovic play tennis was in the
men’s final at last year’s U.S. Open. His impeccable talent might have E-Editor
caught my eye, but his charisma and knack for making me laugh MARCIA PRICE
caught my heart. Djokovic went on to lose to the perennially dominant
and top-ranked Roger Federer, but avenged the loss in the semifinals Assistant Editor
LORI WINTHROP
of this year’s Australian Open, en route to his first major championship.
Copyeditor
Read the story “A Joke with Djokovic” to get an inside scoop LORI WINTHROP
on his goofy theatrics, locker-room friendships and unconventional
training methods. BUSINESS & PRODUCTION
Publisher
Also, as the Tour de France approaches, LeSport wanted to CHRISTOPHER HORN
get an update on the current anti-doping investigations that the French
government and the international cycling community are trying to Advertising Director
DANIELLE MCMICHAEL
cleanse the sport of steroids.
Circulation Director
And to round out this month’s features, Joannie Tims writes ANDY JACOBS
an excellent story on the recent economic boom that is taking over
Dubai, particularly the city’s sports scene. As globalization increases, Production Manager
Dubai has successfully become a major hot spot for the international GREG SHEPHERD
elite, but not at the expense of its Islamic heritage.
Art Director
After I left Arthur Ashe stadium, I realized that I had just ALABASTER PETERS
witnessed the inevitable predecessor of Roger Federer. I smiled as a
Advertising Director
buddy and I walked to our cars and started reliving the hysteria of TIMOTHY NEWMAN
Djokovic’s flawless impersonation of Maria Sharapova’s serve warm-up.
“This boy really has it,” I thought. He sure does. SUBSCRIPTIONS
Contact 212.838.5560 or visit www.lesport.com
for subscription information.

Thanks for your continued support, EDITORIAL OFFICES

132 E. 54th Street, 16th Floor
New York, NY 10019
212.838.5500

REPRESENTATIVES
LA - Martin Dietz, Pacific Sports Advertising Agency,
1452 Sunset Blvd., Ste. 1425. P: 310.325.5600
London – Allen Greenswood, Sporting Investments,
1216 Downing St., London, Eng, P: 09.34.23.564.336
Paris – Laetitia Petiot, Le Bureau Sportif, 154 la
rue d’Amerique, Paris, France. P: 011.44.2.46.65.76.42
Rome – Michelle de Laurentis, A&G Media Corp.,
2845 Ortuzzi, Rome, Italy. P: 39.55.965.3921
Buenos Aires – Ricardo Piedro, El Equipo Atletico,
231 calle de Roma, Buenos Aires, Argentina,
P: 023.4456.6534
Tokyo – Akiko Haikuro, Yakamura Media
Group, Inc., 231 Osaka NW 23, Tokyo, Japan. P:
932.4566.7775

Graham Schroeder NOTICE:

The information found in LeSport Magazine is written
Editor-in-chief by sports experts, but not by doctors. Check with
your doctor before doing any exercises, taking any
supplements or starting a new sport. If you intend
on traveling, make sure you are cautious of your
surroundings. LeSport Magazine is not responsible for any
mishaps, injuries or losses because of its content.

2 LeSport Magazine March 2008

 the[gurus]

American Aces
Mary Carillo analyzes the state of women’s tennis and says there’s hope in
the resurgence of the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenport’s comeback.

Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is

considering a comeback after being off the pro tour since
the end of last year while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. “I haven’t made any final
decisions. It’s a small goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold
medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to
go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son
Jagger on June 10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on
Saturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed
really quickly,” she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing.
I’ve been hitting with my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and
mixed doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport
Beach Breakers. Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only see if I could be active.” American women
appearance because the league’s regular season ends July Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified dominated the game
in the early 2000s.
25. complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s
They hope to repeat
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said. name “has nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and their past success in
“To see if I could come back so quickly and give me a kick husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an unusual name. 2008. Photos from the
in the pants and see if I could be active.” Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and USTA.
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified other family members to Sacramento.
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s “I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road
name “has nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and and more fun,” she said. “The challenge for me is about
husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an unusual name. balancing everything. I totally understand the working
Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.”
other family members to Sacramento. Davenport said her husband supports a possible
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road comeback.
and more fun,” she said. “The challenge for me is about “He thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally encouraging
balancing everything. I totally understand the working me to do whatever I want.”
mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.” Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t
Davenport said her husband supports a possible foresee her son on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is
comeback. “He thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally former Southern California tennis coach Dick Leach and her
encouraging me to do whatever I want.” brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP Tour. Davenport said
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t her husband supports a possible comeback.
foresee her son on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is “It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis
former Southern California tennis coach Dick Leach and her gene,” she said. “Hopefully, he’ll be involved in some kind
brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP Tour. of sports.”
“It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t
gene,” she said. “Hopefully, he’ll be involved in some kind foresee her son on the pro tennis tour. Her ”I hope so,” she
of sports.” or a fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I could said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna Beach
come back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants and home. “I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small goal
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 3
 thegurus
The tenacity of the Williams sisters
and Davenport have been major
factors in their 17 Grand Slam titles.
Photos courtesy of Getty Images.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ll play her first match since September
on Saturday night as a member of the
Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
4 LeSport Magazine March 2008
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Davenport says her pregnancy allowed her
to take time to rethink.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Davenport says her pregnancy allowed her
to take time to rethink her future as a tennis
player.
Davenport says her pregnancy allowed her
to take time to rethink her future as a tennis
player.
The regular season ends July 25. •
 the[stuff]

Wonders from Down Under

Phil Moore looks at the latest in Australian rugby gear, including lightweight
uniforms, synthetic balls and artificial turf.

Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is considering a

comeback after being off the pro tour since the end of last year while
awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna
Beach home. “I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small goal I’m
working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would like to play
in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in singles at the
1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to go back as
a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son Jagger on June
10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on Saturday night as a
member of the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed really quickly,”
she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with my
husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and mixed
doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne Bryan, are Sam Warburg and
Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only appearance
because the league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I
could come back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants and see if I
could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
Top: The Australian nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and husband Jonathan Leach
National Rugby Team
currently uses lycra-
just wanted an unusual name.
nylon hybrid jerseys Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and other family
for their matches. members to Sacramento.
Left: The new “I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road and more fun,”
Australian balls are she said. “The challenge for me is about balancing everything. I totally
made from recycled
understand the working mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.”
tires. Photos from
Getty Images. Davenport said her husband supports a possible comeback. “He
thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do whatever
I want.”
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t foresee her son
on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is former Southern California
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP
Tour.
“It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis gene,”
she said. “Hopefully, he’ll be involved in some kind of sports.” or a fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come back so quickly and give me
a kick in the pants and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and husband Jonathan Leach
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 5
 thestuff

Three-time major champion Lindsay

Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things

Most of Australia’s rugby stadiums now have

an artificial turf that has the same cushion
and absorbency as grass, but doesn’t require
regular maintenance and has a sustainable
irrigation system. Photo by Angus Wright.

have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been

so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecified complications, although he is
healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has nothing
to do with the Rolling Stones”;
The regular season ends July 25. •

6 LeSport Magazine March 2008


Adieu, Adu?
Greg Moreau discusses the possibility of MLS phenom Freddy Adu crossing
the Atlantic to play in the European leagues.
Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is
considering a comeback after being off the pro tour since
the end of last year while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. “I haven’t made any final
decisions. It’s a small goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold
medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to
go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son
Jagger on June 10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on
Saturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 7
the[kick]
World TeamTennis. Freddy Adu is
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed the future of USA
Soccer, but is he the
really quickly,” she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing.
future of the MLS?
I’ve been hitting with my husband.” Photos courtesy of
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and USA Soccer.
mixed doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport
Beach Breakers. Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only
appearance because the league’s regular season ends July
25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said.
“To see if I could come back so quickly and give me a kick
in the pants and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
thekick
Adu, who plays for Real Salt
Lake in MLS, might consider
going to the European Leagues
if he doesn’t see the American
soccer situation getting any
better. Photo by Dillon Van Broek
Three-time major champion
Lindsay Davenport is considering
a comeback after being off the
pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first
child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday
on a conference call from her
Laguna Beach home. “I haven’t
made any final decisions. It’s a
small goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in
part because Davenport would
like to play in next year’s Beijing
Olympics. She won a gold medal
in singles at the 1996 Atlanta
Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is
the Olympics and trying to go back
as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via
Caesarean section to son Jagger
on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the
last September on Saturday night
as a member of the Sacramento
Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a
sudden, things have healed really
quickly,” she said. “It’s been so
much fun preparing. I’ve been
hitting with my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles
with Elena Likhovtseva and
mixed doubles with Mark Knowles
against the Newport Beach
Breakers. Also on the Capitals,
coached by Wayne Bryan, are
Sam Warburg and Michelle
Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will
be Davenport’s only appearance
because the league’s regular
season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of
fun challenge,” she said. “To see if
I could come back so quickly and
give me a kick in the pants and
see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three
weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is
healthy. She said Jagger’s name
“has nothing to do with the Rolling
Stones”;
The regular season ends July
25.
she and husband Jonathan
Leach just wanted an unusual
name.
Davenport plans to bring her
son, husband, nanny and other
family members to Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even
more joy on the road and more
fun,” she said. “The challenge for
me is about balancing everything.
I totally understand the thing. •

Rain, Rain, Go Away
Wimbledon’s show courts are undergoing renovations to ease the stress of the
tournament’s notorious rain delays. By Davis Dickenson
Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is
considering a comeback after being off the pro tour since
the end of last year while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. “I haven’t made any final
decisions. It’s a small goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold
medal in singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to
go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son
Jagger on June 10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on
Saturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed
really quickly,” she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing.
I’ve been hitting with my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and
mixed doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport
Beach Breakers. Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only
appearance because the league’s regular season ends July
25.
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 9
the[ace]
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said.
“To see if I could come back so quickly and give me a kick
in the pants and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s
name “has nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”;
The regular season ends July 25. •
she and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an
unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and
other family members to Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road
and more fun,” she said. “The challenge for me is about
The new and
balancing everything. I totally understand the working improved Centre
mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.” Court at Wimbledon
Davenport said her husband supports a possible will have a
comeback. “He thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally retractable roof to
combat the pesky
encouraging me to do whatever I want.”
rain delays. Computer
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t rendering courtesy of
foresee her son on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is Wimbledon.
former Southern California tennis coach Dick Leach and her
brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP Tour.
“It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis
gene,” she said. “Hopefully, he’ll be involved in some kind
of sports.” or a fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I could
come back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants and
 theace

Three-time major champion Lindsay

Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of

Construction had an impact on the 2007

Championships, but overall, the fortnight ran
smoothly as Wimbledon prepares to tackle
the rain. Photo by Associated Press.

the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.

“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecified complications, although he is
healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has nothing
to do with the Rolling Stones”;
The regular season ends July 25, when
Sacramento faces the Capitals. •

10 LeSport Magazine March 2008

 the[chill]

X-Factor
The Winter X Games wow us with tricks every year and has become more
important with the inclusion of most events in the Olympics. By Alisa Thornton

Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is considering a

comeback after being off the pro tour since the end of last year while
awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna
Beach home. “I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small goal I’m
working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would like to play
in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in singles at the
1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to go back as
a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son Jagger on June
10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on Saturday night as a
member of the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed really quickly,”
she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with my
husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and mixed
doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne Bryan, are Sam Warburg and
Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only appearance
because the league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I
could come back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants and see if I
could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and husband Jonathan Leach
just wanted an unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and other family
members to Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road and more fun,”
she said. “The challenge for me is about balancing everything. I totally
understand the working mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.”
Davenport said her husband supports a possible comeback. “He
thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do whatever
I want.”
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t foresee her son
on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is former Southern California
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP
Tour.
“It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis gene,”
she said. “Hopefully, he’ll be involved in some kind of sports.” or a fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come back so quickly and give me

Snowboarder Adam Petty works the halfpipe at the 2005 Winter X

Games in Aspen, Colo. At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy,
Petty went on to medal in snowboarding. Photo by Ron Winter.

March 2008 LeSport Magazine 11

thechill
Three-time major champion Lindsay
Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
Top: From left, Kelly Clark, Ana Svenssen
and Jenna Abrams, all medalists in the
snowboard slalom in Torino. Left: Adam Petty
earns gold in Torino. Photos by Annie Jones.
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecified complications, although he
is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she
and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an
unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son,
husband, nanny and other family members to
Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy
on the road and more fun,” she said. “The
challenge for me is about balancing everything.
I totally understand the working mom’s guilt. If I
go practice, I feel bad.”
Davenport said her husband supports a
possible comeback. “He thinks it’s great,”
she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do
whatever I want.”
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player,
doesn’t foresee her son on the pro tennis tour.
Her father-in-law is former Southern California
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law
Rick played on the ATP Tour.
 the[splash]

Thorpedo Launch
Former Olympic gold medalist Ian Thorpe of Australia discusses his new
training regimen and his aspirations to medal again in Beijing. By Roe Gregory

Three-time major champion Lindsay

Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecified complications, although he
is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she
and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an
unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son,
husband, nanny and other family members to
Multiple medalist Ian Thorpe has a new
sponsor and a better outlook on the Beijing
Olympics after a great campaign in Sydney
in 2000 and a subpar showing in Athens in
2004. Photo courtesy of Adidas.
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 13
thesplash
Thorpe hired a new coach and has a new
training program in hopes of repeating his
Sydney success. Many people from Australia’s
Olympic committee have noted Thorpe’s
invigorated spirit and expect great things in
Beijing. Photos by James Denton.
Three-time major champion Lindsay
Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be
Davenport’s only appearance because the
league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
and see if I could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecified complications, although he
is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she
and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an
unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son,
husband, nanny and other family members to
Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy
on the road and more fun,” she said. “The
challenge for me is about balancing everything.
I totally understand the working mom’s guilt. If I
go practice, I feel bad.”
Davenport said her husband supports a
possible comeback. “He thinks it’s great,”
she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do
whatever I want.”
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player,
doesn’t foresee her son on the pro tennis tour.
Her father-in-law is former Southern California
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law
Rick played on the ATP Tour.
 lesport magazine march 2008

the features that you’ll find:

Soaring skyscrapers
and sports galore
running wild
in the desert oasis
of the United Arab Emirates

Easy-going Australian Open champion with

effortless on-court impersonations

[French politics,
steroid scandals and
the Tour de France]
A computer rendering of the Burj Dubai, which
will become the world’s tallest structure upon
completion, standing at a height of more than
2,600 feet. Photo by Emaar Properties.
 Is
There
A
Culture
Not
Clash?
In
Dubai.
A jam-packed skyline, faux-snow ski resorts and man-made islands make Dubai a Western-influencesd oasis in
a region hesitant to full embrace Western ideals. With mult-million-dollar events and state-of-the art venues,
Dubai has become one of sport’s biggest stages and it’s still growing. By Ava Sprilenko

D
ubai International Capital (DIC) and Chinese firm First Eastern according to the statement. The volume of trade between the UAE and
Investment Group announced on Monday the launch of a fund
that will invest in Chinese companies and possibly list them
on Dubai securities markets.
The joint venture between Dubai Holding’s investment arm and the
Chinese investment bank and private equity firm is expected to raise $1
billion. It will be called China Dubai Capital.
The partnership highlights the growing interest of Middle East
investors toward China, with more oil-based sovereign wealth money
expected to tap the region’s economic boom. China, too, is seeking to
boost investment returns by investing abroad.
China Dubai Capital will invest in a wide range of sectors including
infrastructure, resources, healthcare and services.
DIC said in the joint statement that its emerging markets division
aims to manage more than $5 billion in assets in Asia, the Middle East
and North Africa in the next three years.
China and the United Arab Emirates in April 2007 signed a
memorandum of understanding aimed at developing economic relations,
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 17
China rose 41.6 percent last year to $20.4 billion, it said.
The joint venture between Dubai Holding’s investment arm and the
Chinese investment bank and private equity firm is expected to raise $1
billion. It will be called China Dubai Capital.
The partnership highlights the growing interest of Middle East
investors toward China, with more oil-based sovereign wealth money
expected to tap the region’s economic boom. China, too, is seeking to
boost investment returns by investing abroad.
China Dubai Capital will invest in a wide range of sectors including
infrastructure, resources, healthcare and services.
DIC said in the joint statement that its emerging markets division
aims to manage more than $5 billion in assets in Asia, the Middle East
and North Africa in the next three years.
China and the United Arab Emirates in April 2007 signed a
memorandum of understanding aimed at developing economic relations,
according to the statement. The volume of trade between the UAE and
The joint venture between Dubai Holding’s investment arm and the
 The Burj Dubai tower under construction in the United
Arab Emirates has surpassed the 629 metre (2,063 foot)
KVLY-TV mast in the United States to become the world’s
tallest man-made structure, its builders announced on
Monday.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final
height of Burj Dubai will be but it is expected to reach 900
metres (2,953 feet) when completed early next year.
At 160 storeys, Burj Dubai was already the world’s
tallest building exceeding the 508 metres (1,667 feet) of the
Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
State-owned Nakheel is planning a 1,200 metre-high
(3,937 feet) tower that would comfortably surpass Burj
Dubai, ArabianBusiness.com reported.
An unidentified source at Australian architects Woods
Bagot told the website it had been awarded the contract to
help construct the tower.
Nakheel, which is part of state-owned conglomerate
Dubai World, told the website it was working with Woods
Bagot but declined to discuss details of the project.
“We are finalising the design concept of a new project
involving an iconic structure -- Woods Bagot are a
consultant on this project,” Nakheel.
“We are still in the design concept stage, it would be
premature to discuss any details at this early stage,” it
added.
Flush with windfall revenues from high oil prices, other
Gulf oil states are reportedly considering joining the race to
build the world’s tallest building.
Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the world’s
proven oil reserves, is planning a mile-high (1,600 metre,
5,249 foot) tower in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according
to the London-based Middle East Economic Digest.
The Burj Dubai tower under construction in the United
Arab Emirates has surpassed the 629 metre (2,063 foot)
KVLY-TV mast in the United States to become the world’s
tallest man-made structure, its builders announced on
Monday.
18 LeSport Magazine March 2008
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final
height of Burj Dubai will be but it is expected to reach 900
metres (2,953 feet) when completed early next year.
At 160 storeys, Burj Dubai was already the world’s
tallest building exceeding the 508 metres (1,667 feet) of the
Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
State-owned Nakheel is planning a 1,200 metre-high
(3,937 feet) tower that would comfortably surpass Burj
Dubai, ArabianBusiness.com reported.
An unidentified source at Australian architects Woods
Bagot told the website it had been awarded the contract to
help construct the tower.
Nakheel, which is part of state-owned conglomerate
The photo on the
left is Dubai in
1991. The city has
undergone rapid
development and
now has a sprawling
urban core, visible
in the picture on
the right from 2005.
Photo courtesy of
Amaar Properties.
Dubai World, told the website it was working with Woods
Bagot but declined to discuss details of the project.
“We are finalising the design concept of a new project
involving an iconic structure -- Woods Bagot are a
consultant on this project,” Nakheel.
“We are still in the design concept stage, it would be
premature to discuss any details at this early stage,” it
added.
Flush with windfall revenues from high oil prices, other
Gulf oil states are reportedly considering joining the race to
build the world’s tallest building.
Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the world’s
proven oil reserves, is planning a mile-high (1,600 metre,
5,249 foot) tower in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according
to the London-based Middle East Economic Digest.
The Burj Dubai tower under construction in the United
Arab Emirates has surpassed the 629 metre (2,063 foot)
KVLY-TV mast in the United States to become the world’s
tallest man-made structure, its builders announced on
Monday.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final

Counter-clockwise from top: A rendering of
the multiple sporting venues in Dubai’s multi-
billion-dollar Sports City project. The current
course for Dubai’s PGA gold tournament,
which showcases players such as Tiger
Woods and Vijah Singh. Dubai is host the
the highest purse in horse racing. A booming
skyline acts as the track’s backdrop. Photos
courtesy of Getty Images.
CpiThe Burj Dubai tower under construction in the
United Arab Emirates has surpassed the 629 metre (2,063
foot) KVLY-TV mast in the United States to become the
world’s tallest man-made structure, its builders announced
on Monday.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final
height of Burj Dubai will be but it is expected to reach 900
metres (2,953 feet) when completed early next year.
At 160 storeys, Burj Dubai was already the world’s
tallest building exceeding the 508 metres (1,667 feet) of the
Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
State-owned Nakheel is planning a 1,200 metre-high
(3,937 feet) tower that would comfortably surpass Burj
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 19
Dubai, ArabianBusiness.com reported.
An unidentified source at Australian architects Woods
Bagot told the website it had been awarded the contract to
help construct the tower.
Nakheel, which is part of state-owned conglomerate
Dubai World, told the website it was working with Woods
Bagot but declined to discuss details of the project.
“We are finalising the design concept of a new project
involving an iconic structure -- Woods Bagot are a
consultant on this project,” Nakheel.
“We are still in the design concept stage, it would be
premature to discuss any details at this early stage,” it
added.
Flush with windfall revenues from high oil prices, other
Gulf oil states are reportedly considering joining the race to
build the world’s tallest building.
Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the world’s
proven oil reserves, is planning a mile-high (1,600 metre,
5,249 foot) tower in the Red Sea city of Jeddah, according
to the London-based Middle East Economic Digest.
The Burj Dubai tower under construction in the United
Arab Emirates has surpassed the 629 metre (2,063 foot)
KVLY-TV mast in the United States to become the world’s
tallest man-made structure, its builders announced on
Monday.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final
height of Burj Dubai will be but it is expected to reach 900
metres (2,953 feet) when completed early next year.
At 160 storeys, Burj Dubai was already the world’s
tallest building exceeding the 508 metres (1,667 feet) of the
Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
State-owned Nakheel is planning a 1,200 metre-high
(3,937 feet) tower that would comfortably surpass Burj
Dubai, ArabianBusiness.com reported that the building was
going up fast.
The KVLY-TV mast in Blanchard, North Dakota, had held
the record for most of the 45 years since its construction,
although it was topped between 1974 and 1991 by a radio
mast in Poland that later fell down.
Developers Emaar have yet to reveal what the final
height of Burj Dubai will be but it is expected to reach 900
metres (2,953 feet) when completed early next year.
At 160 storeys, Burj Dubai was already the world’s
tallest building exceeding the 508 metres (1,667 feet) of the
Taipei 101 tower in Taiwan.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
When completed, Burj Dubai will have used 330,000
cubic metres (11.5 million cubic feet) of concrete, 39,000
tonnes of steel reinforcement and 142,000 square metres
(4.97 million square feet) of glass, Emaar said.
A business website meanwhile reported plans by a
Dubai-based competitor to build an even bigger building in
the Gulf emirate.
The buiilding is made of steel, glass and sand, and will
have three rivers running through it. •
20 LeSport Magazine march 2008
A
Joke
With
Djokovic Serbian tennis phenom Novak Djokovic’s playful, outgoing reputation
has flourished as much as his game has.
By Patrick Rafter
A
sizzling start to the 2008 tennis season had Novak Djokovic
re-evaluating his goals heading into his title defense at the Sony
Ericsson WTA and ATP Masters Series that starts here this week.
The 20-year-old Serb seized his first Grand Slam singles title at the
Australian Open in January, and on Sunday he captured the first of the
year’s prestigious Masters Series titles at Indian Wells, California.
“It has been a dream start, of course,” Djokovic said after a 6-2, 5-7,
6-3 victory over unexpected American Mardy Fish in the Pacific Life
Open final.
“Before I started playing this season, I said that my two goals are to
be consistent with the results, reach the Masters Cup and hopefully win
one Grand Slam.
“I did all that in a very, very small amount of time.”
However, Djokovic doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels.
“I don’t want to stop here,” he said. “I’ll try to keep going in Miami,
and I’m defending champion there. Coming up from Indian Wells as the
tournament winner, it’s much easier.”
World number three Djokovic has narrowed the gap on second-
ranked Spaniard Rafael Nadal to 425 points.
Both Nadal and world number one Roger
Djokovic celebrates Federer arrive in Miami in search of a first 2008
a victory at title.
Wimbledon in 2007. For Federer, it is the first time since 2000
He has become
renowned for his
that he has gone so far into a season without
easy-going attitude hoisting a trophy. The Swiss, who has reigned
and exuberant at number one since 2004, was slowed
celebrations. early this year by a debilitating bout with
Photo by Jars Ulrich. mononucleosis.
At Indian Wells he looked more his old self
- until he was shocked in the semi-finals by
unseeded Fish. Fish’s spectacular run at Indian
Wells - where he beat three top-10 players -
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 21
propelled him from 98th in the world back into the top-50, a welcome
advance for the oft-injured player once ranked as high as 17th in the
world.
Other players expected to make a run at Djokovic’s Miami title are
Americans Andy Roddick - the 2004 champion - and James Blake,
Russian Nikolay Davydenko and France’s Australian Open finalist Jo-
Wilfried Tsonga.
Defending women’s champion Serena Williams returns, seeking her
fifth Miami title in seven years.
Williams won three straight crowns from 2002-2004, then returned to
Miami in 2007 for the first time since her 2004 title run.
Last year Williams saved two match points against top-ranked
Belgian Justine Henin en route to an 0-6, 7-5, 6-3 triumph.
If Williams can win again, she would tie German great Steffi Graf for
most singles titles in tournament history.
Henin, who skipped the Indian Wells event, returns to the fray in
Florida.
Also gunning for Williams’s title will be her sister, Venus, rising
Serbian stars Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana
Kuznetsova of Russia.
Ivanovic solidified her hold on the world number two ranking with a
convincing win over Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells women’s final.
Jankovic took over the number three spot in the world rankings with
her run to the semi-finals in California while Kuznetsova arrives in Miami
in the world number four spot after her third runner-up finish of 2008.
One notable absentee is Australian Open champion Maria
Sharapova, who withdrew after her semi-final defeat in California
complaining of a shoulder injury.
Tennis mum Lindsay Davenport, who was forced to retire from her
quarter-final match in Indian Wells with a back injury, remained hopeful
that she would bounce back in time to compete in Miami.
Jankovic took over the number three spot in the world rankings with
 “I know the crowd wanted him to win more,”
Djokovic said. “That’s OK. It’s all right. I still
love you guys—don’t worry.”
Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic won the Pacific Life Open finals break her on 4-all it gave me confidence, and I went strong from
in a Serbian sweep on Sunday. Djokovic compensated for losing that point on.”
last year’s final by ending American Mardy Fish’s string of upsets In the second, the two traded early breaks but Kuznetsova was
6-2, 5-7, 6-3. under increasing pressure and lost the last four games.
Women’s top seed Ivanovic consigned second-seeded Svetlana “She wasn’t giving me any free points and she was attacking,”
Kuznetsova to runner-up for a second straight year by winning Kuznetsova said. “You feel like it’s her day, like everything goes
6-4, 6-3. her way.”
The 20-year-olds’ his and her championships came some two Kuznetsova, runner-up to Daniela Hantuchova last year, ended
months after they just missed a sweep in the Australian Open. Maria Sharapova’s 18-match winning start to this season in the
Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the men’s title, and Ivanovic semifinals on Friday. She has a career mark of 9-15 in tour finals.
lost to Maria Sharapova in the final. Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was suspended, as European
There has been civil strife in Kosovo since it declared its swimming championships on Friday for wearing a T-shirt
independence from Serbia last month, but Djokovic and Ivanovic proclaiming “Kosovo is Serbia” at a medal ceremony.
said they do not want to discuss politics. “I’m really sad to hear about this,” Ivanovic said. “But on the
Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was suspended from the other hand, I don’t know much about politics and I don’t get
European swimming championships on Friday for wearing a T-shirt involved in that area. When I’m out here playing, I just want to
proclaiming “Kosovo is Serbia” at a medal ceremony. represent my country in the best possible way.
“I’m really sad to hear about this,” Ivanovic said. “But on the “They (Serbs) really love tennis right now. It’s a cool thing
other hand, I don’t know much about politics and I don’t get to wake up (in the middle of the night) and watch us play,”
involved in that area. When I’m out here playing, I just want to she said, alluding to the time difference. “They’re proud to be
represent my country in the best possible way. Serbians, like I think everyone is in their own country.”
“They (Serbs) really love tennis right now. It’s a cool thing Djokovic, whose father and other relatives are from Kosovo,
to wake up (in the middle of the night) and watch us play,” recently taped a video saying he believes Kosovo will always be a
she said, alluding to the time difference. “They’re proud to be part of Serbia.
Serbians, like I think everyone is in their own country.” “It kind of touched me in that moment that this was my quest
Djokovic, whose father and other relatives are from Kosovo, to give support to my country,” he said.
recently taped a video saying he believes Kosovo will always be a Otherwise, he said, he simply considers himself an athlete
part of Serbia. representing his country.
“It kind of touched me in that moment that this was my quest “I think professional athletes all over the world ... are one of
to give support to my country,” he said.
Otherwise, he said, he simply considers himself an athlete
Djokovic and his
representing his country.
playful nature have
“I think professional athletes all over the world ... are one of garnered both praise
the biggest ambassadors of their country; considering the fact and criticism from
that our country is in a very difficult position, they’re struggling in tennis fans.
economics and politics, as well,” he said. Photo by Jars Ulrich.
“But this is something I don’t want to get involved in.”
Djokovic was given the tough match expected by Fish, the
lowest-ranked finalist in nine years at 98th. Fish stunned No. 1
Roger Federer in the semifinals, No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko and No.
7 David Nalbandian and refused to buckle under Djokovic, who
came within two points of the title receiving serve at 4-5 in the
second set.
Fish held serve, then broke Djokovic and won his service game
again to force a third set. Djokovic seemed to slip out of his
rhythm during Fish’s comeback, twice slamming his racket to the
court after missing shots.
Fish then had 0-40 on Djokovic’s serve in the opening game,
but the Serb saved them all with two of his five aces. He then
broke Fish in the next game with a backhand winner down the
line and held serve the rest of the way to claim his ninth career
title and second of the year.
Ivanovic claimed her sixth career WTA Tour title with another
blazing forehand winner after 81 minutes.
Kuznetsova lost her third final of the season, following Sydney
and Dubai. The Russian, a former U.S. Open champion, has lost
eight of her last nine finals, and the lone title last August at New
Haven came on an injury retirement.
Ivanovic pushed Kuznetsova twice off the court into forced
errors for the 5-4 break then served a love game for the first set.
“It’s a great victory for me,” Ivanovic said. “When I managed to
22 LeSport Magazine march 2008

Djokovic
Djokovic usedshowed
lots of off his talent,
eye-catching
and and
plays his auncanny personality
little of his personalityatto
this year’s
dismantle the Australian
field and win Open
his first
Grand Slam title. Photo by Jars Ulrich.
Novak Djokovic started making peace with the crowd as soon
as he lifted the trophy.
After beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2) Sunday
night to win the Australian Open for his first Grand Slam title,
Djokovic knew a little public relations was in order.
True, he had kept the Rod Laver Arena crowd in stitches last
week with his Maria Sharapova impersonation. But Djokovic also
had upset Roger Federer in the semifinals and now had eliminat-
ed Tsonga, who was riding a great wave into the title match.
“I know the crowd wanted him to win more,” Djokovic said.
“That’s OK. It’s all right. I still love you guys -- don’t worry. I’m
very, very happy that I won my first Grand Slam here, so hope-
fully we’ll see you here on this stage a lot more often.”
Djokovic felt as if he had to fight two rivals -- the fans and
his opponent -- in beating Federer and Tsonga. He frequently
yelled when things went wrong.
“Sometimes, you just can’t control your emotions on the
court,” he said. “I’m still learning. I’m still young.”
The 20-year-old Serb is the first man other than No. 2 Rafael
Nadal to win a Grand Slam title from Federer since Marat Safin
won the 2005 Australian Open.
Djokovic said he was under extreme pressure to defeat
Tsonga, an unseeded Frenchman who had beaten four players in
the top 14, including Nadal in straight sets in the semifinals.
Tsonga’s audacious style, resemblance to Muhammad Ali and
magnificent run in only his fifth major made him a popular con-
tender at Melbourne Park. His great tale about his Congolese fa-
ther witnessing the epic “Rumble in the Jungle” heavyweight bout
between Ali and George Foreman in 1974 added to the legend.
The underdog story gained momentum when Tsonga’s father,
Didier, who flew in from France for the match, stood and threw
four right hooks to celebrate his son’s first-set success.
Djokovic admitted he felt the heat. But he regrouped after
the first-set barrage and began to climb back. He did not face
a break point in the second and third sets. He staved off one
crucial break point in the fourth before dominating the tiebreaker.
“Coming on against a player with nothing to lose -- he was
going for the shots and he was very dangerous, especially in the
first set -- I was pretty nervous,” he said.
Tsonga, so aggressive earlier in the tournament, seemed
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 23
Photo by Jars Ulrich.
content to rally from the baseline, especially after getting passed
several times. The forehands that whipped past Nadal and kissed
the lines were wayward. And he netted some of the soft touch
volleys that gave him easy points against the Spaniard.
“I was trying to stay with him because I knew sooner or later,
with my style of game, I could get in control of the match,”
Djokovic said.
With Federer only two majors shy of Pete Sampras’ record 14
Grand Slam titles, Djokovic said he needed to make the most of
any opportunity.
“This match was especially important because I was the favor-
ite and I knew everybody was expecting me to win, so anything
but the win was a loss,” Djokovic said. “I wanted really to win
because I felt my chance. I wanted to win my first Grand Slam.
Now things are different.”
Djokovic will remain at No. 3 in the rankings behind Federer
and Nadal. Tsonga, ranked 38th coming into the tournament, will
move up to No. 18 after advancing past the fourth round for the
first time. He thinks he has the game to crack the top 10. Djok-
ovic understands that he has to play at his best ability now.
“This match was especially important because I was the favor-
ite and I knew everybody was expecting me to win, so anything
but the win was a loss,” Djokovic said. “I wanted really to win
because I felt my chance. I wanted to win my first Grand Slam.
Now things are different.”
Djokovic felt as if he had to fight two rivals -- the fans and
his opponent -- in beating Federer and Tsonga. He frequently
yelled when things went wrong.
“Sometimes, you just can’t control your emotions on the
court,” he said. “I’m still learning. I’m still young.”
The 20-year-old Serb is the first man other than No. 2 Rafael
Nadal to win a Grand Slam title from Federer since Marat Safin
won the 2005 Australian Open.
Djokovic will remain at No. 3 in the rankings behind Federer
and Nadal. Tsonga, ranked 38th coming into the tournament, will
move up to No. 18 after advancing past the fourth round for the
first time. He thinks he has the game to crack the top 10. Djok-
ovic understands that he has to play at his best ability now.
“Not everybody can beat players who beat,” he said. “It’s very
difficult, and I did it. So, of course, I’m confident now.” •
 Tour
de
Farce
The Tour de France has historically been a triumph of extreme physicality and
insurmountable determination, yet the ongoing steroid scandal has tarnished the race
and the sport. What are the ways the international cycling community plans to tackle
this uphill battle. By Marcel Dubois
 Racked by drug scandals, rider “There is a generation gap
departures, team withdrawals and developing in cycling between the
fighting among the leaders of the old guys like him, for whom doping
sport, the 94th Tour de France is embedded normality, and the
ended Sunday as one of the most young ones,” Bradley Wiggins, a
tumultuous races in the event’s British rider for Cofidis and one of
history. Moreni’s teammates, wrote in an
If there was a silver lining to essay in The Observer on Sunday.
the problems at the Tour this year, “The sooner they are gone the
it came in a generation of riders better.”
that seemed to emerge unexpect- Even if the young riders are
edly to dominate many of the top successful at establishing a clean
prizes. generation of the sport, they will
Alberto Contador, a 24-year- have to contend with in-fighting
old from Madrid who rides for the between the organization that runs
Discovery Channel team, won the the Tour de France and the Inter-
overall title, the youngest rider in national Cycling Union, the sport’s
a decade to win cycling’s biggest governing body.
event. He edged the Australian The leaders of the Tour de
Cadel Evans of Predictor-Lotto by France organization demonstrated
23 seconds, the second-narrowest their seriousness about fight-
margin in a Tour. ing doping this year by asking
Contador’s Discovery team- Vinokourov’s team to drop out
mate Levi Leipheimer of the Unit- of the Tour. But as much as they
ed States was third, 31 seconds criticized riders who broke the
behind. Two of the other three rules, the Tour leaders also aimed
riders who wore the race leader’s a barrage of criticism at the cycling
yellow jersey during the three- union, which is known as U.C.I.
week Tour were also younger than Christian Prudhomme, the
27 — Fabian Cancellara, 26, a director of the Tour, and Patrice
Swiss rider with the CSC team; Clerc, the president of the Tour’s
and Linus Gerdemann, 24, a Ger- parent organization, criticized the
man with T-Mobile. U.C.I. for not informing the Tour
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernán- that Rasmussen had missed three
dez, a 24-year-old Colombian who drug tests in the three months
rides for Barloworld, won the com- before the Tour, one of them by
petition for best mountain climber. the U.C.I. and two by the Danish
Amets Txurruka, 24, a Spanish antidoping agency.
rider for Euskatel, won the prize “The U.C.I. is totally unprofes-
as the Tour’s most aggressive sional,” Prudhomme said at a
rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a news conference before the start
Belgian riding for Quick Step, won of the Tour’s next-to-last stage
the green jersey as the Tour’s best Saturday. “We want something
sprinter. better, and something that can
Even before some of the race’s fight doping.”
bombshells exploded in the final Prudhomme said the Tour
week, some young riders knew it intended to run itself without the
was time for them to start chang- U.C.I. next year, joining with the
ing the sport’s culture. Above: A stage in the eastern part of France in the foothills of the French and other national antidop-
“I think cycling has big prob- Alps. Top left: Racers transcend on the scenic sites of Paris in the ing organizations to oversee the
lems,” Gerdemann said after he race’s final leg. Bottom left: Alberto Contador wins his first Tour de Tour’s drug controls.
France title amid countless scandals concerning team leaders and
won the seventh stage of the race, He also said that the criteria
past champions. Photos by Avery Johnson.
as the Tour crossed into the Alps. for invitations to the Tour would
“It’s really hard for young riders to change. This year, 18 of the 20
take all the responsibility now, but the sport gave them the chance, so I teams in the U.C.I.’s ProTour racing series got automatic invitations.
think it’s now the right moment to give the sport something back.” Next year, Prudhomme said, race bids would be based on ethical qualifi-
Young riders from several French and German teams organized a cations, “more so than a team’s results.”
protest against doping on the morning of the 16th stage, one day after Those new regulations could also affect several other major races
Alexander Vinokourov, 33, and his Astana team withdrew from the race that are run by the Tour de France’s parent, the Amaury Sports Orga-
in the wake of Vinokourov’s failed blood test. The results of that test nization. Those races include Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix and Fleche
showed the presence of foreign blood cells, indicating that Vinokourov Wallone.
had a transfusion, a violation of antidoping rules, sometime after the race Whether such actions will be enough to save the Tour de France and
started July 7. cycling as a whole from the doping scandals that upset this year’s race
But as many young riders stayed behind at the start line, some of the remains to be seen.
older ones took off onto the road, including Michael Rasmussen, 33, of Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
Rabobank, who was in the yellow jersey at the time. That night, Rasmus- fighting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
sen, who has never failed a drug screening, was fired by his team. Ra- Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the event’s history.
bobank said he had lied about his whereabouts in June, at a time when If there was a silver lining to the problems at the Tour this year, it
antidoping officials had been trying to find him to give him drug tests. came in a generation of riders that seemed to emerge unexpectedly to
Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34, an Italian rider for Cofidis. dominate many of the top prizes.
At the end of the stage, Moreni was led away by the French police after Alberto Contador, a 24-year-old from Madrid who rides for the
it was announced that he had tested positive for synthetic testosterone. Discovery Channel team, won the overall title, the youngest rider in a
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 25

In 2006, American Floyd Landis was at the
top of the cycling world after his come-
from-behind victory in Tour de France. His
120-kilometer spurt in Stage 17 led to a drug
test that inevitably put his win in question.
In September, Landis was forced to forfeit
his title and began months of arbitration to
defend his innocence in the doping scandal.
Photos by the Associated Press.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures,
team withdrawals and fighting among the lead-
ers of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in
the event’s history.
If there was a silver lining to the problems
at the Tour this year, it came in a generation of
riders that seemed to emerge unexpectedly to
dominate many of the top prizes.
Alberto Contador, a 24-year-old from
Madrid who rides for the Discovery Channel
team, won the overall title, the youngest rider
in a decade to win cycling’s biggest event. He
edged the Australian Cadel Evans of Predictor-
Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest
margin in a Tour.
Contador’s Discovery teammate Levi
Leipheimer of the United States was third, 31
seconds behind. Two of the other three rid-
ers who wore the race leader’s yellow jersey
during the three-week Tour were also younger
than 27 — Fabian Cancellara, 26, a Swiss rider
with the CSC team; and Linus Gerdemann, 24,
a German with T-Mobile.
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernández, a 24-year-
old Colombian who rides for Barloworld, won
the competition for best mountain climber.
Amets Txurruka, 24, a Spanish rider for
Euskatel, won the prize as the Tour’s most ag-
gressive rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a Belgian
riding for Quick Step, won the green jersey as
the Tour’s best sprinter.
Even before some of the race’s bombshells
exploded in the final week, some young riders
knew it was time for them to start changing the
sport’s culture.
“I think cycling has big problems,” Gerde-
mann said after he won the seventh stage of
the race, as the Tour crossed into the Alps.
“It’s really hard for young riders to take all the
responsibility now, but the sport gave them the
chance, so I think it’s now the right moment to
give the sport something back.”
Young riders from several French and Ger-
man teams organized a protest against doping
on the morning of the 16th stage, one day after
Alexander Vinokourov, 33, and his Astana team
withdrew from the race in the wake of Vinok-
ourov’s failed blood test. The results of that test
showed the presence of foreign blood cells,
indicating that Vinokourov had a transfusion, a
violation of antidoping rules, sometime after the
race started July 7.
But as many young riders stayed behind at
the start line, some of the older ones took off
onto the road, including Michael Rasmussen,
33, of Rabobank, who was in the yellow jersey
at the time. That night, Rasmussen, who has
never failed a drug screening, was fired by his
team. Rabobank said he had lied about his
whereabouts in June, at a time when antidop-
ing officials had been trying to find him to give
him drug tests.
Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34,
an Italian rider for Cofidis. At the end of the
stage, Moreni was led away by the French po-
lice after it was announced that he had tested
positive for synthetic testosterone.
“There is a generation gap developing in cy-
cling between the old guys like him, for whom
doping is embedded normality, and the young
ones,” Bradley Wiggins, a British rider for
Cofidis and one of Moreni’s teammates, wrote
in an essay in The Observer on Sunday. “The
sooner they are gone the better.”
Even if the young riders are success-
ful at establishing a clean generation of the
sport, they will have to contend with in-fighting
between the organization that runs the Tour de
France and the International Cycling Union, the
sport’s governing body.
The leaders of the Tour de France organiza-
tion demonstrated their seriousness about
fighting doping this year by asking Vinokourov’s
team to drop out of the Tour. But as much as
they criticized riders who broke the rules, the
Tour leaders also aimed a barrage of criticism
at the cycling union, which is known as U.C.I.
Christian Prudhomme, the director of the
Tour, and Patrice Clerc, the president of the
Tour’s parent organization, criticized the U.C.I.
for not informing the Tour that Rasmussen had
missed three drug tests in the three months
before the Tour, one of them by the U.C.I. and
two by the Danish antidoping agency.
“The U.C.I. is totally unprofessional,” Prud-
homme said at a news conference before the
start of the Tour’s next-to-last stage Saturday.
“We want something better, and something that
can fight doping.”
Prudhomme said the Tour intended to run it-
self without the U.C.I. next year, joining with the
French and other national antidoping organiza-
tions to oversee the Tour’s drug controls.
He also said that the criteria for invitations
to the Tour would change. This year, 18 of the
20 teams in the U.C.I.’s ProTour racing series
got automatic invitations. Next year, Prudhom-
me said, race bids would be based on ethical
qualifications, “more so than a team’s results.”
Those new regulations could also affect
several other major races that are run by the
Tour de France’s parent, the Amaury Sports
Organization. Those races include Paris-Nice,
Paris-Roubaix and Fleche Wallone.
Whether such actions will be enough to
save the Tour de France and cycling as a
whole from the doping scandals that upset this
year’s race remains to be seen.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures,
team withdrawals and fighting among the lead-
ers of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in
the event’s history.
If there was a silver lining to the problems
at the Tour this year, it came in a generation of
riders that seemed to emerge unexpectedly to
dominate many of the top prizes.
Alberto Contador, a 24-year-old from
Madrid who rides for the Discovery Channel
team, won the overall title, the youngest rider
in a decade to win cycling’s biggest event. He
edged the Australian Cadel Evans of Predictor-
Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest
margin in a Tour.
Contador’s Discovery teammate Levi
Leipheimer of the United States was third, 31
seconds behind. Two of the other three rid-
ers who wore the race leader’s yellow jersey
during the three-week Tour were also younger
than 27 — Fabian Cancellara, 26, a Swiss rider
with the CSC team; and Linus Gerdemann, 24,
a German with T-Mobile.
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernández, a 24-year-

In 2007, Team Rabobank removed from the race its team leader and
Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen, seen here celebrating his Stage
16 victory, shortly after his win. Rasmussen lied about his training
activities. Photo by Avery Johnson.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
fighting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the event’s history.
If there was a silver lining to the problems at the Tour this year, it
came in a generation of riders that seemed to emerge unexpectedly to
dominate many of the top prizes.
Alberto Contador, a 24-year-old from Madrid who rides for the
Discovery Channel team, won the overall title, the youngest rider in a
decade to win cycling’s biggest event. He edged the Australian Cadel
Evans of Predictor-Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest margin in
a Tour.
Contador’s Discovery teammate Levi Leipheimer of the United States
was third, 31 seconds behind. Two of the other three riders who wore
the race leader’s yellow jersey during the three-week Tour were also
younger than 27 — Fabian Cancellara, 26, a Swiss rider with the CSC
team; and Linus Gerdemann, 24, a German with T-Mobile.
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernández, a 24-year-old Colombian who rides
for Barloworld, won the competition for best mountain climber. Amets
Txurruka, 24, a Spanish rider for Euskatel, won the prize as the Tour’s
most aggressive rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a Belgian riding for Quick
Step, won the green jersey as the Tour’s best sprinter.
Even before some of the race’s bombshells exploded in the final
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 27
week, some young riders knew it was time for them to start changing the
sport’s culture.
“I think cycling has big problems,” Gerdemann said after he won the
seventh stage of the race, as the Tour crossed into the Alps. “It’s really
hard for young riders to take all the responsibility now, but the sport gave
them the chance, so I think it’s now the right moment to give the sport
something back.”
Young riders from several French and German teams organized a
protest against doping on the morning of the 16th stage, one day after
Alexander Vinokourov, 33, and his Astana team withdrew from the race
in the wake of Vinokourov’s failed blood test. The results of that test
showed the presence of foreign blood cells, indicating that Vinokourov
had a transfusion, a violation of antidoping rules, sometime after the race
started July 7.
But as many young riders stayed behind at the start line, some of the
older ones took off onto the road, including Michael Rasmussen, 33, of
Rabobank, who was in the yellow jersey at the time. That night, Rasmus-
sen, who has never failed a drug screening, was fired by his team. Ra-
bobank said he had lied about his whereabouts in June, at a time when
antidoping officials had been trying to find him to give him drug tests.
Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34, an Italian rider for Cofidis.
At the end of the stage, Moreni was led away by the French police after
it was announced that he had tested positive for synthetic testosterone.
“There is a generation gap developing in cycling between the old
guys like him, for whom doping is embedded normality, and the young
ones,” Bradley Wiggins, a British rider for Cofidis and one of Moreni’s
teammates, wrote in an essay in The Observer on Sunday. “The sooner
they are gone the better.”
Even if the young riders are successful at establishing a clean gen-
eration of the sport, they will have to contend with in-fighting between the
organization that runs the Tour de France and the International Cycling
Union, the sport’s governing body.
The leaders of the Tour de France organization demonstrated their
seriousness about fighting doping this year by asking Vinokourov’s
team to drop out of the Tour. But as much as they criticized riders who
broke the rules, the Tour leaders also aimed a barrage of criticism at the
cycling union, which is known as U.C.I.
Christian Prudhomme, the director of the Tour, and Patrice Clerc, the
president of the Tour’s parent organization, criticized the U.C.I. for not
informing the Tour that Rasmussen had missed three drug tests in the
three months before the Tour, one of them by the U.C.I. and two by the
Danish antidoping agency.
“The U.C.I. is totally unprofessional,” Prudhomme said at a news
conference before the start of the Tour’s next-to-last stage Saturday. “We
want something better, and something that can fight doping.”
Prudhomme said the Tour intended to run itself without the U.C.I.
next year, joining with the French and other national antidoping organiza-
tions to oversee the Tour’s drug controls.
He also said that the criteria for invitations to the Tour would change.
This year, 18 of the 20 teams in the U.C.I.’s ProTour racing series got
automatic invitations. Next year, Prudhomme said, race bids would be
based on ethical qualifications, “more so than a team’s results.”
Those new regulations could also affect several other major races
that are run by the Tour de France’s parent, the Amaury Sports Orga-
nization. Those races include Paris-Nice, Paris-Roubaix and Fleche
Wallone.
Whether such actions will be enough to save the Tour de France and
cycling as a whole from the doping scandals that upset this year’s race
remains to be seen.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
fighting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the event’s history.
If there was a silver lining to the problems at the Tour this year, it
came in a generation of riders that seemed to emerge unexpectedly to
dominate many of the top prizes.
Alberto Contador, a 24-year-old from Madrid who rides for the
Discovery Channel team, won the overall title, the youngest rider in a
decade to win cycling’s biggest event. He edged the Australian Cadel
Evans of Predictor-Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest margin in
a Tour.
Contador’s Discovery teammate Levi Leipheimer of the United States
was third, 31 seconds behind. Two riders wore blue. •
 the[hotspots]

Canada’s Crown Jewel

Travel blogger Jen Leo notes the best places in British Columbia to visit, dine
and relax when you’re not on the slopes.

Three-time major champion Lindsay

Davenport is considering a comeback after
being off the pro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her first child.
“I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
“I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small
goal I’m working towards.”
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next year’s
Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in
singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games.
“The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics
and trying to go back as a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section
to son Jagger on June 10 — two days after her
31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly,” she said. “It’s been
so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with
my husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena
Likhovtseva and mixed doubles with Mark
Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne
go practice, I feel bad.”
Bryan, are Sam Warburg and Michelle Larcher
Davenport said her husband supports a
de Brito. possible comeback. “He thinks it’s great,”
The match in Sacramento will be
she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do
Davenport’s only appearance because the
whatever I want.”
league’s regular season ends July 25.
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player,
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun
doesn’t foresee her son on the pro tennis tour.
challenge,” she said. “To see if I could come
Her father-in-law is former Southern California
back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law
and see if I could be active.”Rick played on the ATP Tour.
Her son was born three weeks early due
“It’s probably in his best interest to not
to unspecified complications, although he
follow the tennis gene,” she said. “Hopefully,
is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
he’ll be involved in some kind of sports.” or
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she
a fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I could
and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an
come back so quickly and give me a kick in the
unusual name. pants and see if I could be active.”
Davenport plans to bring her son,
Her son was born three weeks early due Top: Vancouver offers breathtaking views,
husband, nanny and other family members to hundreds of green tours and is a sports
to unspecified complications, although he lover’s paradise. Photo by Alan Jarvin/
Sacramento. is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has Vancouver Tour Agency. Above: Whale watching
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she in the waters around Vancouver is a popular
on the road and more fun,” she said. “The
and husband Jonathan Leach just wanted an tourist attraction. Make sure to reserve a
challenge for me is about balancing everything.
unusual name. spot a month of two in advance of your trip.
I totally understand the working mom’s guilt. If I Photo by Amanda Petrie.
Davenport plans to bring her son,
March 2008 LeSport Magazine 29
 thehotspots

Snowmobiling is a Three-time major champion Lindsay Davenport is considering a

great alternative comeback after being off the pro tour since the end of last year while
to skiing if your
awaiting the birth of her first child.
sick of the slopes,
but soaking up the “I hope so,” she said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna
snow. Many of the Beach home. “I haven’t made any final decisions. It’s a small goal I’m
mountain villages working towards.”
and ski resorts A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would like to play
outside Vancouver in next year’s Beijing Olympics. She won a gold medal in singles at the
all have snowmobile
rentals. Photo by
1996 Atlanta Games.
Raymond Hillsborough. “The thing that intrigues me is the Olympics and trying to go back as
a mother,” she said.
Davenport gave birth via Caesarean section to son Jagger on June
10 — two days after her 31st birthday.
She’ her first match since the last September on Saturday night as a
member of the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
“I’m feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed really quickly,”
she said. “It’s been so much fun preparing. I’ve been hitting with my
husband.”
Davenport will play doubles with Elena Likhovtseva and mixed
doubles with Mark Knowles against the Newport Beach Breakers.
Also on the Capitals, coached by Wayne Bryan, are Sam Warburg and
Michelle Larcher de Brito.
The match in Sacramento will be Davenport’s only appearance
because the league’s regular season ends July 25.
“I looked at it as really a kind of fun challenge,” she said. “To see if I
could come back so quickly and give me a kick in the pants and see if I
could be active.”
Her son was born three weeks early due to unspecified
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jagger’s name “has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones”; she and husband Jonathan Leach
just wanted an unusual name.
Davenport plans to bring her son, husband, nanny and other family
members to Sacramento.
“I’m hoping he’ll bring me even more joy on the road and more fun,”
she said. “The challenge for me is about balancing everything. I totally
understand the working mom’s guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.”
Davenport said her husband supports a possible comeback. “He
thinks it’s great,” she said. “He’s totally encouraging me to do whatever
I want.”
Davenport, the world’s former No. 1 player, doesn’t foresee her son
on the pro tennis tour. Her father-in-law is former Southern California
tennis coach Dick Leach and her brother-in-law Rick played on the ATP
Tour.
“It’s probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis gene.” •

30 LeSport Magazine March 2008

 the[wire]

LeSport readers weigh in on what stories they liked, which ones they hated
and how we could’ve done better.

On “From Scandal to Scoreboard” from

January 2008 issue.
On “Maria, Bella” from December 2007
issue.
LeSport,
On “Land of a Thousand Skates” frpm
Dear LeSport: January 2008 issue.
In the past year, I have worked with my
neighbors to bring a farmers market and
In the past year, I have worked with my LeSport Magazine,
community garden to my neighborhood, and
neighbors to bring a farmers market and
can testify that the grass roots are willing
community garden to my neighborhood, and Have you looked at a P-patch waiting list
and eager, but the city is confused. Without a
can testify that the grass roots are willing lately? Have you talked to the folks trying to
common mission, departments are at cross-
and eager, but the city is confused. Without a site farmers markets in their ‘hoods? Do you
purposes and wasting our tax money hindering
common mission, departments are at cross- know of the red tape encountered when an
the very things they should be boosting.
purposes and wasting our tax money hindering apartment dweller wants to grow tomatoes in
Have you looked at a P-patch waiting list
the very things they should be boosting. a vacant lot? Or put a pear tree in a parking
lately? Have you talked to the folks trying to
Have you looked at a P-patch waiting list strip?
site farmers markets in their ‘hoods? Do you
lately? Have you talked to the folks trying to These are hardly frivolous issues. Please
know of the red tape encountered when an
site farmers markets in their ‘hoods? Do you reconsider and use your tremendous influence
apartment dweller wants to grow tomatoes in
know of the red tape encountered when an to educate, not obfuscate.
a vacant lot? Or put a pear tree in a parking
apartment dweller wants to grow tomatoes in These are hardly frivolous issues. Please
strip?
a vacant lot? Or put a pear tree in a parking reconsider and use your tremendous influence
These are hardly frivolous issues. Please
strip? to educate, not obfuscate.
reconsider and use your tremendous influence
These are hardly frivolous issues. Please
to educate, not obfuscate.
reconsider and use your tremendous influence — Victoria Martinez, Spokane, Wash.
to educate, not obfuscate.
— Adam Weistman, Jackson, Miss.
— Mark Whitehorn, Seattle

March 2008 LeSport Magazine 31

the[lens]

Epic Day on the Pitch

Photographer Ben Greensburg shoots the memorable cricket clash between
perennial powerhouses India and Australia.

Left: A squabble
between members
of each team. Right:
The Indian team was
left celebrating, as
Australia could not
overcome a deficit,
and the Indians won
by 15 runs.

Above: An Australian batter hits the ball.

Right: A big crowd, with fans of both
countries intertwined, was on hand to
witness the nearly week-long event.

32 LeSport Magazine March 2008