American Lindsay Davenport will never forget the stirring memories of her triumphant debut at the Atlanta Games in 1996.
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WTA Tour veteran Davenport was a gold medallist in the women's singles at the 1996 Atlanta Games, two years before she clinched the first of her three Grand Slam titles.
"It was the first big thing I won and a huge honour," the former Wimbledon, US Open and Australian Open champion said.
"When I won the US Open in 1998, it seemed to give me more validity as a player. Those two were certainly big turning points in my career and it's hard to compare them.
"I can't wait to go back in early August. It's been on the calendar for my family for a long time. My aspiration is to do my best to win any medal. I really don't care.
"My best memory is winning the gold but I always think back to the opening ceremonies in '96. The United States were the last country to come out and I was with Mary Joe (Fernandez) and Monica (Seles), two of my best friends on the tour.
"It was a moment I'll never forget. We were so excited and giddy and, like, pure joy. Sitting there, we were all crying when Muhammad Ali lit the torch. I always kind of think back to that moment."
Image: Lindsay Davenport (gold), Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario (silver) and Jana Novotna (bronze)
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