DPA
London, June 28 (DPA) Hopes for US men have hit the Grand Slam scrapheap at Wimbledon after all 11 entrants crashed out by the end of week one at the All England club. Little-known 102-ranked Bobby Reynolds was the last player standing before going down to Spain’s grass-loving Feliciano Lopez. Recent memories of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi are starting to fade quickly for the former tennis power.

Just 13 months ago, the US suffered through its worst-ever French Open, now followed by the bottom-scraping Wimbledon letdown.

“Back with Agassi and Sampras, they were unbelievable players,” said Reynolds. “Obviously around the world tennis is a huge sport and maybe not number one over in the States.

“The number one sport around the world is obviously soccer, (in) Europe, South America, everywhere else. Whereas in the States you have basketball, baseball, football, tennis, golf,” said Reynolds.

“I think the US Open is our best chance, but then you’re going up against Roger (Federer) and Rafael (Nadal), who will go down as some of the greatest players to play.”

The US last won a Grand Slam with Andy Roddick in New York five years ago.

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Davenport now focuses on Beijing

London: Even after limping out of Wimbledon with a knee injury, Lindsay Davenport is excited about extending her start-stop career through the Beijing Olympics.

The 32-year-old, who took time off to have a baby and returned to the Women Tennis Association (WTA) last autumn and won four tournaments through early 2008, was named in the team for the Games along with the Williams sisters.

Davenport won gold at the Atlanta Olympics a dozen years ago and is keen for a farewell chance at the Games.

“I’m so excited to go to Beijing. That was my number one goal and challenge when I came back from having my baby - to try and make the Olympic team.”

With a family now, Davenport is making future tennis plans with caution.

“I’m very shortsighted right now in my future, my goals. It’s all about, you know, first being one hundred percent for Beijing.

“Then New York (US Open). Then no plans.”
DPA