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Davenport's dream comeback continues
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November 05, 2007 09:42 IST

Former world number one Lindsay Davenport [Images] continued her remarkable comeback by crushing third seed Julia Vakulenko of Ukraine 6-4, 6-1 in the Quebec City Challenge final on Sunday.

The American wildcard brushed past her 24-year-old opponent with a dominant display of serving to claim her second WTA title in three tournaments since her return to the game after a year in retirement.

Davenport, who gave birth to her son Jagger in June, broke Vakulenko in the 10th game to clinch the first set before wrapping up the second in only 22 minutes.

The 31-year-old American was in devastating form with her serve, unleashing a total of 12 aces in the tournament final.

"My game plan was to serve well and just hold my serve," Davenport told reporters.

"Once I was able to break her at the end of the first set, that helped my momentum. I was focused on my serving and knew the rest of it would take care of itself."

Vakulenko, bidding for her first WTA singles title, paid tribute to Davenport's dominance.

"Definitely she served well," the Jalta native said after playing the American for the first time.

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"Overall, though, it was just a really nice week, a really nice tournament. Some matches were easy and some were difficult and I was just happy I could do my best and make it as far as I did."

Davenport, a former Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian Open champion, eased to her 53rd career singles title, tying Monica Seles [Images] for eighth in the all-time list.

She had triumphed in Bali in her first tournament back before losing to world number three Jelena Jankovic in the semi-finals of last month's China Open.

"It can be a success even if you don't win a tournament," Davenport said. "The journey back has been greater than I could have anticipated.

"It has been a much different experience coming back this time around -- I just feel a lot less pressure, and I'm just trying to enjoy it as I go."

Asked what goals she had set for herself with the first grand slam event of next year, the Australian Open, looming large in January, Davenport replied: "It's kind of undefined.

"Obviously things will change in Melbourne when I'm playing Justine (Henin), Venus (Williams) or Serena (Williams) but I consider it a victory just going out and playing a big match, after such a great year off the court."



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