Lindsay Davenport began her Australian Open preparations with a powerful 6-3 6-3 win over Austria's Barbara Schett today.
The second seed swept into a quarter-final showdown with her fellow American Lisa Raymond after a comprehensive 56-minute victory at Sydney's Olympic tennis centre.
Davenport beat Martina Hingis in the 2000 Australian Open final and reached the final at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open but finished the year ranked number two after injuries reduced her tournament appearances.
Davenport hurt her ankle playing in Miami, experienced back spasms and pain at the Italian and French Opens and tendinitis in her left foot which forced to quit halfway through her Olympic defence.
The 24-year-old said she was taking things easy in the build-up to next week's Australian Open but felt fitter than ever.
"I have to train hard to physically get in better shape but at the same time I have to make sure I don't overdo it," she said.
"It seems like I'm so delicate lately. But it's just one of those things you have to shrug your shoulders at.
"I feel like my body's holding together and has allowed me to practice pretty hard the last few weeks to prepare for this week and next week."
Davenport's straight sets win set her up for a quarter-final showdown with her old doubles partner Raymond after she surprised eighth-seed Jennifer Capriati 2-6 6-3 7-5. - Reuters