ITF

10 Spring 2020 ITF World "That said, I am fortunate that I get to work with Martina Navratilova and she has taught me so much about what goes on in the world. "James Blake is one of my dearest friends in the sport and having had conversations with him you realise the beliefs which certain people have and we still have a way to go. "But I do think it is getting better and when you compare tennis to other women's sports, you realise how far ahead tennis is and how great female tennis players have it." As Davenport alludes, tennis is better positioned than most sports to be a significant platform for empowerment, although it still has some distance to go before it can claim to be an equal advantage sport. But through Advantage All, the ITF is determined to ensure that tennis is a leading light in sport and society with respect to gender equality and a vital component in inspiring and enabling women and girls to reach their full potential. Davenport has long been a pioneer for the women's game, both during and after her playing career, and is only too happy to offer advice to aspiring young players, male or female, as they attempt to make their way in the game. "Every person's path is different and just because your path is different to someone else's, that doesn't mean it can't happen for you," she said. "I never grew up thinking I could be the best in the world or one of the most successful players but it managed to happen and it happened because I had dreams. I was scared at times to dream that big but I eventually got to that point. "My path was not as on track as some of the other players. I had parents that were like, 'you have to stay in school and get good grades'. Tennis wasn't necessarily the priority but it happened for me." Whether she considers her route conventional or not, Davenport was making her Grand Slam debut as a wild card at the 1991 US Open at the age of 15. It is an experience she remembers vividly despite succumbing in straight sets to fellow American Debbie Graham. "I have so many memories – I feel like I have lived four or five different lives in just my tennis career," added Davenport, who cites "crazy old man" Robert Lansdorp, one of her first coaches, as a major influence on her formative years. "When I first played at the US Open I almost couldn't Left The US Open title was Davenport's in 1998. Below The Californian was a fierce competitor throughout her career. Bottom right Davenport with her USA teammates at the 1995 Fed Cup semi-final against France "When I first played at the US Open I almost couldn't walk out on the court. I remember telling my mum that 'I don't belong here' – I couldn't believe it was happening." LINDSAY DAVENPORT INTERVIEW

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