Lindsay Davenport Continues Comeback

WIMBLEDON, England | In town for a tennis tournament, Lindsay Davenport strolled amid the shops and tea houses of Wimbledon village lugging her 1-year-old son, accompanied by her husband and looking very much at home.

She should: This is Davenport's 13th visit to Wimbledon, although it's her first since 2005. This is the latest stop in her career comeback after leaving the women's tour in late 2006 to have Jagger, her first child.

"This is my favorite Slam of them all - because of the relative low-keyness," she said. "I love staying where we can walk to the club and have nice quiet dinners.

"I'm an American, but the U.S. Open is a much more hectic lifestyle and pace. This one is much more serene."

There's sure to be big roar for Davenport, however, when she takes the court for her first match Tuesday. She's been popular at the All England Club ever since winning the tournament way back in 1999, when she was 23.

She was a finalist two other times and hasn't lost before the quarterfinals since 1997, which suggests she's a threat this year even at 32.

Seeded 25th, Davenport figures her grass-court experience gives her an edge.

"It's a surface you're always a little scared on because you don't play on it that much," she said. "Once you get used to it after the first few days, you feel a little better."

DOUBLING UP

The doubles team of Venus and Serena Williams will make a comeback at Wimbledon.

The sisters have combined for doubles in only three tournaments since Wimbledon in 2003. Their most recent title was the 2003 Australian Open, the sixth Grand Slam title for the partnership.

TRADITION LOVER

Andy Roddick says he enjoys the U.S. Open, which he describes as "a free-for-all, wild and crazy thing." But he also enjoys Wimbledon, where the atmosphere is more subdued.

"I love all the traditions," said Roddick, a two-time runner-up. "I love the all-white. I love the no-play on the middle Sunday. I love the stuff growing on the side of the walls. ... They meant for that to be there, right?"

Ivy on the Centre Court wall is indeed a staple at the All England Club.

And what's the worst thing about Wimbledon?

"The worst thing?" Roddick said. "That I haven't won it yet."