Is Lindsay Davenport already considering a comeback to the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour?
She could be, or at least that may be one of many reasons why she told Pilot Pen tournament director Ann Worcester that she would like to come back to her tournament.
Davenport, who is scheduled to give birth to her first child next month, has not yet made her retirement official and is still on the WTA rankings.
Even though this still makes her eligible to compete, she has said that she does not plan on playing professionally again.
“I hate the word ‘retirement,’ ” said Davenport in an interview with ESPN after announcing her decision to hang up her racquet. “But this season was such a struggle physically for me, and I can’t imagine playing again.”
That was generally accepted to mean “I’m quitting for good”, at least until today.
Ann Worcester, the tournament director of the joint ATP/WTA Pilot Pen tennis tournament in New Haven, was quoted in the Connecticut Post saying that she had received a cryptic email from Davenport about her future plans.
“She copied me on an e-mail she sent (former Pilot Pen CEO) Ron Shaw, congratulating him on his retirement. She threw a zinger in there, ‘I hope to see you next year if I come back,’ ” Worcester said in the Connecticut Post Online. “I thought that was out of the question. I’d love to see her back next year. I don’t think she’s made any commitments either way.”
For what my opinion is worth, I do not think we will see Lindsay stage a professional comeback, especially not this soon.
From all accounts, she is blissfully happy off the Tour and waiting to begin her new life as a mother. Her reference to coming back to Pilot Pen was probably meant more in the role as a fan to help promote the tournament.
Personally, I would love to see her take a more active participation in the summer hard-court US Open Series. ESPN could definitely use some new blood in the broadcasting booth.
The one regret in my life, so far, is that I didn’t get to watch Davenport play in person. I would be there in a moment if she was participating in the Pilot Pen this year, but I doubt that may happen. Maybe doubles? Aaeress made a good point about having her in the television booth. Lindsay has a lot of personality!
I’m a big Lindsay fan and I for one hope it’s as a commentator and not playing but there is one thing that makes this just a rumor New Haven is 2 months after the birth of Lindsay baby.
Will.I.Am,
You may still get your chance – Lindsay was a big supporter of several different charity exhibitions, and she may continue to play them in the future.
Vicki,
I think Ann Worcester was referring to next year’s Pilot Pen – not the upcoming one.
Aaress i only half read the article as was on my way out the door to go to school and then read your article in full when I home. It made more sense the second time funnily enough. Keep up the great work too.
No problem Vicki!
Thanks for the compliment!