It was a shocker not only for Lindsay Davenport, who had high hopes of winning her fourth Grand Slam title here, but to American women’s tennis as well.
With Davenport’s 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6) loss to double-faulting Russian Elena Dementieva on Wednesday night, it marked the first time since 1994 that there hasn’t been at least one American in the women’s semifinals at the U.S. Open.
Dementieva, overcoming her usual serving jitters, had to fight off a match point at 6-5 in the tiebreak to win and will face France’s Mary Pierce in one semifinal on Friday.
Top-seeded Maria Sharapova of Russia and No. 4 Kim Clijsters of Belgium had reached the semis on Tuesday.
They’ll also play Friday with the final on Saturday.
Pierce, seeded 12th and showing the form that has put her on the best winning streak of her career, demolished third-seeded Amelie Mauresmo 6-4, 6-1, taking advantage of the French woman’s lack of aggression.
Davenport appeared on her way to victory after securing a 6-5 lead in the tiebreaker, breaking down Dementieva with a corner to corner rally.
But, serving for the match, Davenport was beaten by a strong forehand winner and at 6-6 Dementieva took advantage of Davenport’s lack of speed with a drop shot, then won with a backhand winner.
“I just wish today I found a way to play just a bit better in some games … just a little bit more consistent,” Davenport said. “I was trying. Some days you go out there … “
This ended Davenport’s Grand Slam year with runner-up finishes at Australia and Wimbledon quarterfinal finishs at the French and at the U.S. Open.
