Anna Kournikova's bid to reach her first grand slam semi-final since Wimbledon in 1997, when she was just 16 years of age, was foiled by last year's champion Lindsay Davenport in Melbourne today. Davenport won 6-4 6-2 to set up a repeat of last year's semi with fellow American Jennifer Capriati. Davenport is now hoping that history can repeat itself at this year's tournament, as she beat Kournikova and Capriati on her way to winning the 2000 Australian Open title twelve months ago.
Eighth seed Kournikova, one of the most photographed woman in sport, began the brighter of the two in today's match but it didn't take long for Davenport to assume control. The Russian, still to win a tournament in her entire professional career, was broken in the fifth game and from that point on Davenport appeared to have lots in reserve as she made the final four for the 11th time in the last 14 Grand Slam events. Kournikova had actually beaten Davenport in three of their previous eight meetings, but their only other Grand Slam clash was on the same court in the fourth round a year ago - and the American won that 6-4 6-3.
"It's a great feeling to always be expected to win (in the early rounds), " said Davenport afterwards. "For me it's business as usual. I mean, I'm here to win it. It's great I'm in the semi-finals, but that's where I thought I should be."
Although upset by the defeat, Kournikova was still optimistic that she too can be a world-beater. "I think I just have to play the same, but be more consistent. I will win Grand Slams. You can never say it's going to happen tomorrow, in one year or five years, but I know I am a good player and if I keep improving my game will come together and everything will be fine." she said.
The other quarter-finals remaining in the women's competition will take place later tonight - Top seed Martina Hingis will take on Serena Williams while Williams' elder sister Venus will play South African Amanda Coetzer.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
