Seed-killer Davis stands tallest
Small in stature, big in spirit. Lauren Davis’ breakthrough title success was a win for little battlers everywhere.
It should come as no surprise Belgium’s seven time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin is Davis’ idol.
In a sport largely dominated by lanky giants, Davis is one out of the box. Holding the Classic trophy, it looked half her size.
It has taken the 23-year-old American five years to secure her maiden crown.
As much more illustrious contenders Serena, Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki disappeared, all week at the ASB Classic in Auckland Davis flew under the radar with unfavoured status. It’s a position she is accustomed to, and feels comfortable in.
Clearly in her case looks can be deceiving. Her small frame generates surprising power but Davis’ overriding trait is her determination to scrap for everything. It was on show as she beat four seeds, culminating in her comfortable 6-3 6-1 win over Croatian teenage star Ana Konjuh in yesterday’s final.
‘‘That’s how I am in general. I’ve been blessed with that type of personality,’’ Davis said. ‘‘You have to being my size. I run for every ball.
‘‘I’ve been looking forward to this moment for years; have put a lot of hard work in, a lot of blood, sweat and tears so it’s finally paying off and I’m happy. Playing a final is never easy. Ana is an incredible player. She hits the ball extremely hard and penetrates the court and has an amazing serve so I knew I’d have to play my best to win.’’
Due to her size, in the early days Davis endured coaches telling her she would never make it. Now she joins former Classic champions Venus Williams and Ana Ivanovic, and pockets the $US63,000 winner’s cheque. I’ve been looking forward to this moment for years; have put a lot of hard work in, a lot of blood, sweat and tears.
‘‘I’ve learned to tune them out and listen to the small voice inside my head that says I could do it. It’s amazing to have my name up next to those champions. I hope to be that great some day.’’
Playing in her third WTA final, after appearances in Washington DC and Quebec last year, Davis knew pitfalls to avoid. The tale of the tape tells us she made 17 unforced errors to Konjuh’s 47, reflecting her calm nature from the outset.
‘‘I was surprisingly relaxed. I learned from the past couple of finals I was in. I felt like I had nothing to lose so I left it all out on court. Going in I knew I had what it took it was just a matter of execution and staying relaxed and enjoying myself.’’
Davis adopted an organic diet over the past three months and will celebrate with some wine along those lines with her coach, followed by a zip line and surfing venture today before jetting off to Melbourne to prepare for the Australian Open.
For Konjuh, the youngest player inside the world’s top 50, this was another learning experience. The 19-year-old let the nerves get the better of her but promised to return to Auckland, a venue where she made her pro debut four years ago.
Konjuh now travels to Hobart, where she meets Classic semi finalist Julia Goerges in the first round in another tune up for the Aussie Open. Sitting at 47, her goal is to kick on and crack the top 20 or 30 this year.
‘‘It’s not the worst way to start the season so it’s all good,’’ Konjuh said.
‘‘She is a fighter she gets everything back and you need to work for every point and today I didn’t manage to do that. No-one should underestimate her.’’