Losing on the tennis court can often be a testing experience. Moreover, if you are losing against the American tennis legend, Serena Williams, you can fall into the trap of wanting to prove yourself. Recently, former world number one, Lindsay Davenport, opened up about how losing to Williams triggered fear in her head. When both tennis players were still young and actively playing the sport, they were committed to succeeding against one another.
The three-time Grand Slam champion was recently invited as a guest on a podcast called Baseline Intelligence with Jonathan Stokke. In the conversation, the host asked the former tennis player to state one regret that she has today when she looks back on her successful tennis career.
Lindsay Davenport on facing Serena Williams on the tennis court
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Sparing no minutes to think about it, Davenport talked about how the expectations and pressure of beating the 41-year-old tennis player, became a huge burden. She further expressed how she wanted her younger self to enjoy every moment of her tennis career.
She stated, “I wish I would have enjoyed it more, everyone kind off says that also. It felt like a tremendous burden. It felt like a lot of pressure to kind off live up to whatever that is, ranking or expectation.” Furthermore, she also recalled how people focused on her losses rather than her achievements of making it through the semi-finals of a major tournament.
Additionally, she also talked about her biggest regret. She said, “So I wish I could go back to be a little bit kinder to myself. I think everyone kind of says that everything is all said and done.”
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Moreover, Davenport has always talked about how grateful she is to be a part of such a successful era that had the amazing Williams sisters duo. Last year, the tennis star also talked about how the most famous sibling in the athletic world took the tennis world by storm with their amazing skills and dedication.
When Davenport highlighted the Williams sisters’ crazy era
The former world number one has consistently expressed her pride in being a part of the exciting era in which the William sisters played a significant role. Last year, in an interview, the former tennis player opened up about the William sisters’ greatness in women’s tennis. She looked back at their amazing era and talked about how there were so many great players. But the iconic sisters changed that entire generation with the amazing talent and skills that they brought to the tennis court.
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Additionally, she went on to add that the two were amazing athletes who knew their strengths and weaknesses well. Further highlighting how playing against them in their era is something great that can never be forgotten.