Kournikova more than just a pretty face
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Anna Kournikova, famous for her looks but still without a tournament victory to her name, surprised the world No 2 Lindsay Davenport to reach the quarter-finals of the Acura Classic in Carlsbad, California. The Russian teenager beat the American 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Anna Kournikova, famous for her looks but still without a tournament victory to her name, surprised the world No 2 Lindsay Davenport to reach the quarter-finals of the Acura Classic in Carlsbad, California. The Russian teenager beat the American 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
"I think it was great, the match was awesome," said Kournikova, who stopped a run of three defeats and improved her record against Davenport to three wins and six defeats. "We had some unbelievable points. It brings some confidence to me to have this unbelievable match. "
Davenport said: "I blame myself for a lot of it but she certainly came up with a lot of great shots. When she got up in the third set, she started choking a bit but I couldn't do quite enough to get on top of her."
Davenport easily took the opening set. However, Kournikova began to fight back with punishing ground strokes and easily won the second set against the world No 2, who seemed to be troubled by a recurring groin injury. "It's been bothering me for a while," said Davenport, who refused to blame the injury for her defeat.
The victory prevented a possible third consecutive finals match-up between Davenport and the Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams, who advanced to the quarter-finals with a 6-0, 6-4 triumph over South Africa's Amanda Coetzer.
Monica Seles, the fourth seed and twice finalist in Carlsbad, secured a place in the quarterfinals by beating her fellow American Meilen Tu 7-5, 7-5.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments