In case anyone had not noticed, Lindsay Davenport is back.
The top seed and world No 1 yesterday cruised into the second round at Wimbledon to continue her remarkable turnaround in fortunes over the last 12 months.
Her 6-0, 6-2 victory over Russian Alina Jidkova in just 41 minutes on Centre Court was in stark contrast to her exit from the singles at the All England Club 12 months ago, a defeat by Maria Sharapova leaving the 1999 champion contemplating whether she would return to SW19.
With one Grand Slam final appearance, in Australia, already this year and also reaching the last eight at Roland Garros, it was perhaps no surprise to see the American complete a demolition of the 80th-ranked Jidkova in such rapid time.
Davenport broke Jidkova in the first game, and the American had soon raced into a commanding 3-0 lead and never looked back, dominating both with her fierce serve from the baseline and also her more precise cross-court play.
The American, though, is refusing to get caught up in suggestions she is in prime form to win her first Grand Slam for five years.
"I feel pretty strong and I played well today, but it is hard to read too much into it either way," said Davenport, who will face compatriot Jamea Jackson, who came through qualifying, in round two.
"Since leaving here last year, I have had a wonderful ride over the last 12 months, and never would have expected how things have turned out. I would never have dreamed that."
