lesport magazine
TRANSCRIPT
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front of book3 the gurusThe state of American womens tennis
5 the stuffRugbys hottest new gear
7 the kickThe possible exodus of Freddy Adu
9 the aceCentre Courts extreme makeover
11 the chillX-games athletes in the Olympics
13 the splashIan Thorpe prepares for Beijing
contentslesport magazinemarch 2008
features
15 welcome
16 culture clash?Dubais sports scene is booming, but is it compromising its values inthe process?By Joannie Tims
20 tennis teaserSerbian star Novak Djokovic has wowed crowds with his talent andhis charm.By Tim Akins
24 cyclical concernsA dark cloud of steroids looms over the Tour de France, but how isthe cycling world really coping?By Daniel Martinez
back of book
29 the hot spotsBritish Columbias must-see spots
31 the wire
32 the lensCricket in India
On the cover:Novak Djokovic reacts during a match at the2007 Australian Open.Photo by Jamelle Johanssen.
20
16
24
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LeSPORTEDITORIAL
Editor-in-chiefGRAHAM SCHROEDER
Associate EditorALEX JOHNSON
E-EditorMARCIA PRICE
Assistant EditorLORI WINTHROP
CopyeditorLORI WINTHROP
BUSINESS & PRODUCTIONPublisher
CHRISTOPHER HORN
Advertising DirectorDANIELLE MCMICHAEL
Circulation DirectorANDY JACOBS
Production ManagerGREG SHEPHERD
Art DirectorALABASTER PETERS
Advertising DirectorTIMOTHY NEWMAN
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for subscription information.
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NOTICE:The information found in LeSport Magazineis writtenby sports experts, but not by doctors. Check with
your doctor before doing any exercises, taking anysupplements or starting a new sport. If you intendon traveling, make sure you are cautious of your
surroundings. LeSport Magazineis not responsible for anymishaps, injuries or losses because of its content.
LeSportReaders,
The first time I saw Novak Djokovic play tennis was in themens final at last years U.S. Open. His impeccable talent might havecaught my eye, but his charisma and knack for making me laughcaught my heart. Djokovic went on to lose to the perennially dominantand top-ranked Roger Federer, but avenged the loss in the semifinalsof this years Australian Open, en route to his first major championship.
Read the story A Joke with Djokovic to get an inside scoopon his goofy theatrics, locker-room friendships and unconventionaltraining methods.
Also, as the Tour de France approaches, LeSportwanted toget an update on the current anti-doping investigations that the French
government and the international cycling community are trying tocleanse the sport of steroids.
And to round out this months features, Joannie Tims writesan excellent story on the recent economic boom that is taking overDubai, particularly the citys sports scene. As globalization increases,Dubai has successfully become a major hot spot for the internationalelite, but not at the expense of its Islamic heritage.
After I left Arthur Ashe stadium, I realized that I had justwitnessed the inevitable predecessor of Roger Federer. I smiled as abuddy and I walked to our cars and started reliving the hysteria ofDjokovics flawless impersonation of Maria Sharapovas serve warm-up.
This boy really has it, I thought. He sure does.
Thanks for your continued support,
Graham SchroederEditor-in-chief
2 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
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the[gurus]
American AcesMary Carillo analyzes the state of womens tennis and says theres hope in
the resurgence of the Williams sisters and Lindsay Davenports 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. I havent made any naldecisions. Its a small goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next years 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 rst match since the last September onSaturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed
really quickly, she said. Its been so much fun preparing.
Ive 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 Davenports only
appearance because the leagues 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 unspeciedcomplications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggers
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.
Im hoping hell bring me even more joy on the roadand more fun, she said. The challenge for me is about
balancing everything. I totally understand the working
moms guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.
Davenport said her husband supports a possible
comeback. He thinks its great, she said. Hes totally
encouraging me to do whatever I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt
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.
Its probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis
gene, she said. Hopefully, hell 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 unspecied
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggers
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.
Im hoping hell 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
moms guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.
Davenport said her husband supports a possible
comeback.He thinks its great, she said. Hes totally encouraging
me to do whatever I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt
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. Davenport said
her husband supports a possible comeback.
Its probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis
gene, she said. Hopefully, hell be involved in some kind
of sports.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt
foresee her son on the pro tennis tour. Her I hope so, she
said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna Beach
home. I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small goal
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 3
American womendominated the gamein the early 2000s.They hope to repeattheir past success in2008. Photos from theUSTA.
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thegurus
The tenacity of the Williams sistersand Davenport have been majorfactors 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 havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next years
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.
Shell play her rst match since September
on Saturday night as a member of the
Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues 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.
4 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
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the[stuff]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 5
Wonders from Down UnderPhil Moore looks at the latest in Australian rugby gear, including lightweight
uniforms, synthetic balls and articial 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna
Beach home. I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small goal Imworking towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would like to play
in next years 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 rst match since the last September on Saturday night as amember of the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed really quickly,
she said. Its been so much fun preparing. Ive 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 Davenports only appearance
because the leagues 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 unspecied
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggers 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.
Im hoping hell 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 moms guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.Davenport said her husband supports a possible comeback. He
thinks its great, she said. Hes totally encouraging me to do whatever
I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt 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.
Its probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis gene,
she said. Hopefully, hell 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 unspecied
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggers name has
nothing to do with the Rolling Stones; she and husband Jonathan Leach
Top: The AustralianNational Rugby Teamcurrently uses lycra-nylon hybrid jerseysfor their matches.Left: The newAustralian balls are
made from recycledtires. Photos fromGetty Images.
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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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part becauseDavenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues 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 unspecied complications, although he is
healthy. She said Jaggers name has nothing
to do with the Rolling Stones;
The regular season ends July 25.
6 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
Most of Australias rugby stadiums now havean artificial turf that has the same cushionand absorbency as grass, but doesnt requireregular maintenance and has a sustainableirrigation system. Photo by Angus Wright.
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the[kick]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 7
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 sincethe end of last year while awaiting the birth of her rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. I havent made any naldecisions. Its a small goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next years 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 rst match since the last September on
Saturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healedreally quickly, she said. Its been so much fun preparing.
Ive 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 Davenports only
appearance because the leagues 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 unspecied
Freddy Adu is
the future of USASoccer, but is he thefuture of the MLS?Photos courtesy ofUSA Soccer.
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thekick
Three-time major champion
Lindsay Davenport is considering
a comeback after being off thepro tour since the end of last year
while awaiting the birth of her rst
child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday
on a conference call from her
Laguna Beach home. I havent
made any nal decisions. Its a
small goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in
part because Davenport would
like to play in next years Beijing
Olympics. She won a gold medal
in singles at the 1996 Atlanta
Games.
The thing that intrigues me isthe 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 rst match since the
last September on Saturday night
as a member of the Sacramento
Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a
sudden, things have healed really
quickly, she said. Its been so
much fun preparing. Ive 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 Davenports only appearance
because the leagues 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 andgive me a kick in the pants and
see if I could be active.
Her son was born three
weeks early due to unspecied
complications, although he is
healthy. She said Jaggers 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 otherfamily members to Sacramento.
Im hoping hell 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.
Adu, who plays for Real SaltLake in MLS, might considergoing to the European Leaguesif he doesnt see the Americansoccer situation getting anybetter. Photo by Dillon Van Broek
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the[ace]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 9
Rain, Rain, Go AwayWimbledons show courts are undergoing renovations to ease the stress of the
tournaments 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a conference call
from her Laguna Beach home. I havent made any naldecisions. Its a small goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would
like to play in next years 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 rst match since the last September on
Saturday night as a member of the Sacramento Capitals of
World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed
really quickly, she said. Its been so much fun preparing.
Ive 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 Davenports only
appearance because the leagues 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 unspecied
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggersname 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.
Im hoping hell 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
moms guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.
Davenport said her husband supports a possible
comeback. He thinks its great, she said. Hes totally
encouraging me to do whatever I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt
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.
Its probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis
gene, she said. Hopefully, hell 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
The new andimproved CentreCourt at Wimbledonwill have aretractable roof tocombat the peskyrain delays. Computerrendering courtesy ofWimbledon.
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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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part becauseDavenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues regular season ends July 25.
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecied complications, although he ishealthy. She said Jaggers name has nothing
to do with the Rolling Stones;
The regular season ends July 25, when
Sacramento faces the Capitals.
10 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
Construction had an impact on the 2007Championships, but overall, the fortnight ransmoothly as Wimbledon prepares to tacklethe rain. Photo by Associated Press.
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the[chill]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 11
X-FactorThe 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a conference call from her Laguna
Beach home. I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small goal Imworking towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because Davenport would like to play
in next years 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 rst match since the last September on Saturday night as amember of the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things have healed really quickly,
she said. Its been so much fun preparing. Ive 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 Davenports only appearance
because the leagues 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 unspecied
complications, although he is healthy. She said Jaggers 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.
Im hoping hell 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 moms guilt. If I go practice, I feel bad.Davenport said her husband supports a possible comeback. He
thinks its great, she said. Hes totally encouraging me to do whatever
I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player, doesnt 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.
Its probably in his best interest to not follow the tennis gene,
she said. Hopefully, hell 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 XGames in Aspen, Colo. At the 2006 Winter Games in Torino, Italy,Petty went on to medal in snowboarding. Photo by Ron Winter.
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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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a smallgoal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the lastSeptember on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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 beDavenports only appearance because the
leagues 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 unspecied complications, although he
is healthy. She said Jaggers 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.Im hoping hell 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 moms guilt. If I
go practice, I feel bad.
Davenport said her husband supports a
possible comeback. He thinks its great,
she said. Hes totally encouraging me to do
whatever I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player,
doesnt 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.
Top: From left, Kelly Clark, Ana Svenssenand Jenna Abrams, all medalists in thesnowboard slalom in Torino. Left: Adam Pettyearns gold in Torino. Photos by Annie Jones.
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the[splash]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 13
Thorpedo LaunchFormer 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on aconference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues 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 pantsand see if I could be active.
Her son was born three weeks early due
to unspecied complications, although he
is healthy. She said Jaggers 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 newsponsor and a better outlook on the BeijingOlympics after a great campaign in Sydneyin 2000 and a subpar showing in Athens in2004. Photo courtesy of Adidas.
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thesplash
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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on a
conference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part becauseDavenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.
Im feeling great. All of a sudden, things
have healed really quickly, she said. Its been
so much fun preparing. Ive 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
Davenports only appearance because the
leagues 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 unspecied complications, although heis healthy. She said Jaggers 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.
Im hoping hell 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 moms guilt. If I
go practice, I feel bad.
Davenport said her husband supports a
possible comeback. He thinks its great,
she said. Hes totally encouraging me to dowhatever I want.
Davenport, the worlds former No. 1 player,
doesnt 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.
Thorpe hired a new coach and has a newtraining program in hopes of repeating hisSydney success. Many people from AustraliasOlympic committee have noted Thorpesinvigorated spirit and expect great things inBeijing. Photos by James Denton.
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lesport magazinemarch 2008
the features that youll nd:
Soaring skyscrapersand sports galorerunning wildin the desert oasisof the United Arab Emirates
Easy-going Australian Open champion witheffortless on-court impersonations
[French politics,steroid scandals andthe Tour de France]
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A computer rendering of the Burj Dubai, whichwill become the worlds tallest structure uponcompletion, standing at a height of more than
2,600 feet. Photo by Emaar Properties
-
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Is
ThereACulture
Clash?NotIn
Dubai.A jam-packed skyline, faux-snow ski resorts and man-made islands make Dubai a Western-inuencesd oasis ina region hesitant to full embrace Western ideals. With mult-million-dollar events and state-of-the art venues,Dubai has become one of sports biggest stages and its still growing. By Ava Sprilenko
D
ubai International Capital (DIC) and Chinese rm First Eastern
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 Holdings investment arm and the
Chinese investment bank and private equity rm 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 regions 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
China rose 41.6 percent last year to $20.4 billion, it said.
The joint venture between Dubai Holdings investment arm and the
Chinese investment bank and private equity rm is expected to raise $1billion. 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 regions 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 Holdings investment arm and the
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 17
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18 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
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 worlds
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 nal
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 worlds
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 unidentied 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 nalising 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 bepremature 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 worlds tallest building.
Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the worlds
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 worlds
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 nal
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 worlds
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, 39,000tonnes 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 unidentied 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 nalising the design concept of a new projectinvolving 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 worlds tallest building.Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the worlds
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 worlds
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 nal
The photo on theleft is Dubai in
1991. The city hasundergone rapiddevelopment andnow has a sprawlingurban core, visiblein the picture onthe right from 2005.Photo courtesy ofAmaar Properties.
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MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 19
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
worlds 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 nalheight 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 worlds
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 unidentied 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 nalising 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, itadded.
Flush with windfall revenues from high oil prices, other
Gulf oil states are reportedly considering joining the race to
build the worlds tallest building.
Saudi Arabia, which sits on a quarter of the worlds
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 worlds
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 nal
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 worlds
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 nal
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 worlds
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, 39,000tonnes 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.
Counter-clockwise from top: A rendering ofthe multiple sporting venues in Dubais multi-billion-dollar Sports City project. The currentcourse for Dubais PGA gold tournament,which showcases players such as TigerWoods and Vijah Singh. Dubai is host thethe highest purse in horse racing. A boomingskyline acts as the tracks backdrop. Photoscourtesy of Getty Images.
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20 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
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MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 21
A
JokeWith
DjokovicSerbian tennis phenom Novak Djokovics playful, outgoing reputationhas ourished 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 rst Grand Slam singles title at the
Australian Open in January, and on Sunday he captured the rst of the
years 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 Pacic Life
Open nal.
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 doesnt plan to rest on his laurels.
I dont want to stop here, he said. Ill try to keep going in Miami,
and Im defending champion there. Coming up from Indian Wells as the
tournament winner, its 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
Federer arrive in Miami in search of a rst 2008title.
For Federer, it is the rst time since 2000
that he has gone so far into a season without
hoisting a trophy. The Swiss, who has reigned
at number one since 2004, was slowed
early this year by a debilitating bout with
mononucleosis.
At Indian Wells he looked more his old self
- until he was shocked in the semi-nals by
unseeded Fish. Fishs spectacular run at Indian
Wells - where he beat three top-10 players -
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 Djokovics Miami title are
Americans Andy Roddick - the 2004 champion - and James Blake,
Russian Nikolay Davydenko and Frances Australian Open nalist Jo-
Wilfried Tsonga.
Defending womens champion Serena Williams returns, seeking her
fth Miami title in seven years.
Williams won three straight crowns from 2002-2004, then returned to
Miami in 2007 for the rst 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 Stef Graf for
most singles titles in tournament history.
Henin, who skipped the Indian Wells event, returns to the fray in
Florida.
Also gunning for Williamss title will be her sister, Venus, rising
Serbian stars Ana Ivanovic and Jelena Jankovic and Svetlana
Kuznetsova of Russia.
Ivanovic solidied her hold on the world number two ranking with aconvincing win over Kuznetsova in the Indian Wells womens nal.
Jankovic took over the number three spot in the world rankings with
her run to the semi-nals in California while Kuznetsova arrives in Miamiin the world number four spot after her third runner-up nish of 2008.
One notable absentee is Australian Open champion Maria
Sharapova, who withdrew after her semi-nal defeat in California
complaining of a shoulder injury.
Tennis mum Lindsay Davenport, who was forced to retire from her
quarter-nal 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
Djokovic celebratesa victory atWimbledon in 2007.He has becomerenowned for hiseasy-going attitudeand exuberantcelebrations.Photo by Jars Ulrich.
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Novak Djokovic and Ana Ivanovic won the Pacific Life Open finalsin a Serbian sweep on Sunday. Djokovic compensated for losinglast years final by ending American Mardy Fishs string of upsets6-2, 5-7, 6-3.
Womens top seed Ivanovic consigned second-seeded SvetlanaKuznetsova to runner-up for a second straight year by winning6-4, 6-3.
The 20-year-olds his and her championships came some twomonths after they just missed a sweep in the Australian Open.Djokovic beat Jo-Wilfried Tsonga for the mens title, and Ivanoviclost to Maria Sharapova in the final.
There has been civil strife in Kosovo since it declared itsindependence from Serbia last month, but Djokovic and Ivanovicsaid they do not want to discuss politics.
Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was suspended from theEuropean swimming championships on Friday for wearing a T-shirtproclaiming Kosovo is Serbia at a medal ceremony.
Im really sad to hear about this, Ivanovic said. But on theother hand, I dont know much about politics and I dont getinvolved in that area. When Im out here playing, I just want torepresent my country in the best possible way.
They (Serbs) really love tennis right now. Its a cool thingto wake up (in the middle of the night) and watch us play,she said, alluding to the time difference. Theyre proud to beSerbians, like I think everyone is in their own country.
Djokovic, whose father and other relatives are from Kosovo,recently taped a video saying he believes Kosovo will always be apart of Serbia.
It kind of touched me in that moment that this was my questto give support to my country, he said.
Otherwise, he said, he simply considers himself an athlete
representing his country.I think professional athletes all over the world ... are one of
the biggest ambassadors of their country; considering the factthat our country is in a very difficult position, theyre struggling ineconomics and politics, as well, he said.
But this is something I dont 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. 1Roger Federer in the semifinals, No. 4 Nikolay Davydenko and No.7 David Nalbandian and refused to buckle under Djokovic, whocame within two points of the title receiving serve at 4-5 in thesecond set.
Fish held serve, then broke Djokovic and won his service gameagain to force a third set. Djokovic seemed to slip out of hisrhythm during Fishs comeback, twice slamming his racket to the
court after missing shots.Fish then had 0-40 on Djokovics serve in the opening game,
but the Serb saved them all with two of his five aces. He thenbroke Fish in the next game with a backhand winner down theline and held serve the rest of the way to claim his ninth careertitle and second of the year.
Ivanovic claimed her sixth career WTA Tour title with anotherblazing forehand winner after 81 minutes.
Kuznetsova lost her third final of the season, following Sydneyand Dubai. The Russian, a former U.S. Open champion, has losteight of her last nine finals, and the lone title last August at NewHaven came on an injury retirement.
Ivanovic pushed Kuznetsova twice off the court into forcederrors for the 5-4 break then served a love game for the first set.
Its a great victory for me, Ivanovic said. When I managed to
break her on 4-all it gave me confidence, and I went strong fromthat point on.In the second, the two traded early breaks but Kuznetsova was
under increasing pressure and lost the last four games.She wasnt giving me any free points and she was attacking,
Kuznetsova said. You feel like its her day, like everything goesher way.
Kuznetsova, runner-up to Daniela Hantuchova last year, endedMaria Sharapovas 18-match winning start to this season in thesemifinals on Friday. She has a career mark of 9-15 in tour finals
Serbian swimmer Milorad Cavic was suspended, as Europeanswimming championships on Friday for wearing a T-shirtproclaiming Kosovo is Serbia at a medal ceremony.
Im really sad to hear about this, Ivanovic said. But on theother hand, I dont know much about politics and I dont getinvolved in that area. When Im out here playing, I just want torepresent my country in the best possible way.
They (Serbs) really love tennis right now. Its a cool thingto wake up (in the middle of the night) and watch us play,she said, alluding to the time difference. Theyre proud to beSerbians, like I think everyone is in their own country.
Djokovic, whose father and other relatives are from Kosovo,recently taped a video saying he believes Kosovo will always be apart of Serbia.
It kind of touched me in that moment that this was my questto give support to my country, he said.
Otherwise, he said, he simply considers himself an athleterepresenting his country.
I think professional athletes all over the world ... are one of
I know the crowd wanted him to win more,Djokovic said. Thats OK. Its all right. I still
love you guysdont worry.
Djokovic and hisplayful nature havegarnered both praiseand criticism fromtennis fans.Photo by Jars Ulrich.
22 LeSport MagazineMARCH 2008
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Djokovic showed off his talent,and his uncanny personality atthis years Australian Open
Photo
byJarsUlrich.
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 23
Novak Djokovic started making peace with the crowd as soonas he lifted the trophy.
After beating Jo-Wilfried Tsonga 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (2) Sundaynight 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 lastweek with his Maria Sharapova impersonation. But Djokovic alsohad 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.
Thats OK. Its all right. I still love you guys -- dont worry. Imvery, very happy that I won my first Grand Slam here, so hope-fully well see you here on this stage a lot more often.
Djokovic felt as if he had to fight two rivals -- the fans andhis opponent -- in beating Federer and Tsonga. He frequently
yelled when things went wrong.Sometimes, you just cant control your emotions on the
court, he said. Im still learning. Im 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 Safinwon the 2005 Australian Open.
Djokovic said he was under extreme pressure to defeatTsonga, an unseeded Frenchman who had beaten four players inthe top 14, including Nadal in straight sets in the semifinals.
Tsongas 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 boutbetween Ali and George Foreman in 1974 added to the legend.
The underdog story gained momentum when Tsongas father,Didier, who flew in from France for the match, stood and threwfour right hooks to celebrate his sons first-set success.
Djokovic admitted he felt the heat. But he regrouped afterthe first-set barrage and began to climb back. He did not facea break point in the second and third sets. He staved off onecrucial break point in the fourth before dominating the tiebreaker.
Coming on against a player with nothing to lose -- he wasgoing for the shots and he was very dangerous, especially in thefirst set -- I was pretty nervous, he said.
Tsonga, so aggressive earlier in the tournament, seemed
content to rally from the baseline, especially after getting passedseveral times. The forehands that whipped past Nadal and kissedthe lines were wayward. And he netted some of the soft touchvolleys 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 14Grand Slam titles, Djokovic said he needed to make the most ofany opportunity.
This match was especially important because I was the favor-ite and I knew everybody was expecting me to win, so anythingbut the win was a loss, Djokovic said. I wanted really to winbecause 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 Federerand Nadal. Tsonga, ranked 38th coming into the tournament, willmove up to No. 18 after advancing past the fourth round for thefirst 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 anythingbut the win was a loss, Djokovic said. I wanted really to winbecause 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 andhis opponent -- in beating Federer and Tsonga. He frequentlyyelled when things went wrong.
Sometimes, you just cant control your emotions on thecourt, he said. Im still learning. Im still young.
The 20-year-old Serb is the first man other than No. 2 RafaelNadal to win a Grand Slam title from Federer since Marat Safinwon the 2005 Australian Open.
Djokovic will remain at No. 3 in the rankings behind Federerand Nadal. Tsonga, ranked 38th coming into the tournament, willmove up to No. 18 after advancing past the fourth round for thefirst 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. Its verydifficult, and I did it. So, of course, Im confident now.
Djokovic used lots of eye-catchingplays and a little of his personality todismantle the field and win his firstGrand Slam title. Photo by Jars Ulrich.
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Tour
de
FarceThe Tour de France has historically been a triumph of extreme physicality andinsurmountable determination, yet the ongoing steroid scandal has tarnished the raceand the sport. What are the ways the international cycling community plans to tacklethis uphill battle. By Marcel Dubois
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MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 25
Racked by drug scandals, rider
departures, team withdrawals and
ghting among the leaders of the
sport, the 94th Tour de France
ended Sunday as one of the most
tumultuous races in the events
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 unexpect-
edly to dominate many of the topprizes.
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 cyclings biggest
event. He edged the Australian
Cadel Evans of Predictor-Lotto by
23 seconds, the second-narrowest
margin in a Tour.
Contadors Discovery team-
mate Levi Leipheimer of the Unit-
ed States was third, 31 seconds
behind. Two of the other three
riders who wore the race leaders
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 Ger-
man with T-Mobile.
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernn-
dez, a 24-year-old Colombian who
rides for Barloworld, won the com-
petition for best mountain climber.
Amets Txurruka, 24, a Spanish
rider for Euskatel, won the prize
as the Tours most aggressive
rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a
Belgian riding for Quick Step, won
the green jersey as the Tours bestsprinter.
Even before some of the races
bombshells exploded in the nal
week, some young riders knew it
was time for them to start chang-
ing the sports culture.
I think cycling has big prob-
lems, Gerdemann said after he
won the seventh stage of the race,
as the Tour crossed into the Alps.
Its really hard for young riders to
take all the responsibility now, but the sport gave them the chance, so I
think its 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 afterAlexander Vinokourov, 33, and his Astana team withdrew from the race
in the wake of Vinokourovs 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 red by his team. Ra-
bobank said he had lied about his whereabouts in June, at a time when
antidoping ofcials had been trying to nd him to give him drug tests.Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34, an Italian rider for Codis.
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 Codis and one of
Morenis 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 cleangeneration of the sport, they will
have to contend with in-ghtingbetween the organization that runs
the Tour de France and the Inter-
national Cycling Union, the sports
governing body.
The leaders of the Tour de
France organization demonstrated
their seriousness about ght-ing doping this year by asking
Vinokourovs 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 Tours
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 unprofes-
sional, Prudhomme said at a
news conference before the start
of the Tours next-to-last stage
Saturday. We want somethingbetter, and something that can
ght doping.
Prudhomme said the Tour
intended to run itself without the
U.C.I. next year, joining with the
French and other national antidop-
ing organizations to oversee the
Tours 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 quali-
cations, more so than a teams results.
Those new regulations could also affect several other major racesthat are run by the Tour de Frances 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 years race
remains to be seen.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
ghting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France endedSunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the events 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
Above: A stage in the eastern part of France in the foothills of theAlps. Top left: Racers transcend on the scenic sites of Paris in theraces final leg. Bottom left: Alberto Contador wins his first Tour deFrance title amid countless scandals concerning team leaders andpast champions. Photos by Avery Johnson.
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Racked by drug scandals, rider departures,
team withdrawals and ghting among the lead-
ers of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in
the events 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 riderin a decade to win cyclings biggest event. He
edged the Australian Cadel Evans of Predictor-
Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest
margin in a Tour.
Contadors Discovery teammate Levi
Leipheimer of the United States was third, 31
seconds behind. Two of the other three rid-
ers who wore the race leaders 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 Hernndez, 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 Tours most ag-
gressive rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a Belgian
riding for Quick Step, won the green jersey as
the Tours best sprinter.
Even before some of the races bombshells
exploded in the nal week, some young riders
knew it was time for them to start changing the
sports 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.
Its really hard for young riders to take all the
responsibility now, but the sport gave them the
chance, so I think its 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-
ourovs 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 hasnever failed a drug screening, was red by his
team. Rabobank said he had lied about his
whereabouts in June, at a time when antidop-
ing ofcials had been trying to nd him to give
him drug tests.
Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34,
an Italian rider for Codis. 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
Codis and one of Morenis teammates, wrotein 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-ghting
between the organization that runs the Tour de
France and the International Cycling Union, the
sports governing body.
The leaders of the Tour de France organiza
tion demonstrated their seriousness about
ghting doping this year by asking Vinokourovsteam 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
Tours 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 Tours next-to-last stage Saturday.
We want something better, and something tha
can ght 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 Tours 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
qualications, more so than a teams results.
Those new regulations could also affect
several other major races that are run by the
Tour de Frances 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
years race remains to be seen.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures,
team withdrawals and ghting among the lead-
ers of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in
the events 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 Channelteam, won the overall title, the youngest rider
in a decade to win cyclings biggest event. He
edged the Australian Cadel Evans of Predictor-
Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest
margin in a Tour.
Contadors Discovery teammate Levi
Leipheimer of the United States was third, 31
seconds behind. Two of the other three rid-
ers who wore the race leaders yellow jersey
during the three-week Tour were also younger
than 27 Fabian Cancellara, 26, a Swiss ride
with the CSC team; and Linus Gerdemann, 24,
a German with T-Mobile.
Juan Mauricio Soler Hernndez, a 24-year-
In 2006, American Floyd Landis was at thetop of the cycling world after his come-from-behind victory in Tour de France. His120-kilometer spurt in Stage 17 led to a drugtest that inevitably put his win in question.In September, Landis was forced to forfeithis title and began months of arbitration todefend his innocence in the doping scandal.Photos by the Associated Press.
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MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 27
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
ghting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France endedSunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the events 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 adecade to win cyclings biggest event. He edged the Australian Cadel
Evans of Predictor-Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest margin in
a Tour.
Contadors Discovery teammate Levi Leipheimer of the United States
was third, 31 seconds behind. Two of the other three riders who wore
the race leaders 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 Hernndez, 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 Tours
most aggressive rider. And Tom Boonen, 26, a Belgian riding for Quick
Step, won the green jersey as the Tours best sprinter.
Even before some of the races bombshells exploded in the nal
week, some young riders knew it was time for them to start changing the
sports 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. Its really
hard for young riders to take all the responsibility now, but the sport gave
them the chance, so I think i ts 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 Vinokourovs failed blood test. The results of that test
showed the presence of foreign blood cells, indicating that Vinokourovhad 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 red by his team. Ra-bobank said he had lied about his whereabouts in June, at a time when
antidoping ofcials had been trying to nd him to give him drug tests.Also riding away was Cristian Moreni, 34, an Italian rider for Codis.
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 Codis and one of Morenis
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-ghting between the
organization that runs the Tour de France and the International Cycling
Union, the sports governing body.
The leaders of the Tour de France organization demonstrated their
seriousness about ghting doping this year by asking Vinokourovs
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 Tours 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 newsconference before the start of the Tours next-to-last stage Saturday. We
want something better, and something that can ght 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 Tours 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 qualications, more so than a teams results.
Those new regulations could also affect several other major races
that are run by the Tour de Frances 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 years raceremains to be seen.
Racked by drug scandals, rider departures, team withdrawals and
ghting among the leaders of the sport, the 94th Tour de France ended
Sunday as one of the most tumultuous races in the events 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 cyclings biggest event. He edged the Australian Cadel
Evans of Predictor-Lotto by 23 seconds, the second-narrowest margin in
a Tour.
Contadors Discovery teammate Levi Leipheimer of the United States
was third, 31 seconds behind. Two riders wore blue.
In 2007, Team Rabobank removed from the race its team leader andDanish cyclist Michael Rasmussen, seen here celebrating his Stage16 victory, shortly after his win. Rasmussen lied about his trainingactivities. Photo by Avery Johnson.
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the[hotspots]
MARCH 2008 LeSport Magazine 29
Canadas Crown JewelTravel bloggerJen Leo notes the best places in British Columbia to visit, dine
and relax when youre 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 rst child.
I hope so, she said Tuesday on aconference call from her Laguna Beach home.
I havent made any nal decisions. Its a small
goal Im working towards.
A comeback is alluring in part because
Davenport would like to play in next years
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 rst match since the last
September on Saturday night as a member of
the Sacramento Capitals of World TeamTennis.