07/25/05 Stanford California - While practice makes perfect and with no pain there is no gain, Lindsay Davenport recovers from a low back injury, but her game is still solid. While practicing with her husband off court, she says she finds herself holding back a bit in order to rest her injury. While observing her practice, her idea of holding back seemed pretty intimidating as she still smashes the ball hard and low over the net.

Davenport bikes in order to keep up on her training and endurance when she isn't on the courts.  I am sure that in no time we will see her hard work and skill at it's peak once fully recovered. This will be crucial in order to continue to be most competitive, holding her rank of number one.

In the months to come, Davenport plans to attend the U.S. Open where she will face one of the toughest competitions which will include that of Venus Williams.

Venus Williams feels she puts a lot of pressure upon herself to win, but quickly learned calmness is the key. She plans for a win involved focusing on the game and not just winning or losing. This idea must have played a role in her recent wins at Wimbledon.

Her strategy against some of her top competition, including Maria Sharipova, is to never under estimate her opponent. Her hopes for this summer are to really play her way into the events. Although in a mid-season high from her win at Wimbledon, Williams still feels practice will make her perfect. Williams also stated that every athlete has their bad moments and it takes tough character to make it through.

We will see if these two competitors can remain calm and focused for this U.S. Open as the competition is stiff and tolerance for pain remains high.

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