Davenport cherishes best night of career

By Martyn Herman

BEIJING (Reuters) - American Lindsay Davenport described Friday's spectacular Games opening ceremony as the best moment of her sporting life.

The 32-year-old former Olympic champion, who withdrew from the women's singles with a knee injury but is still contesting the doubles, joined the U.S. team in the Bird's Nest stadium as President George Bush looked on.

"I've obviously experienced a lot in my 16-year career and I have to say last night was probably the greatest night I've had professionally in my whole career," Davenport, who came out of retirement last year, told reporters at the Olympic Tennis Centre on Saturday.

"To have the President there was very special because we all have a lot of respect still for our leaders. He spoke to each and every athlete on the team.

"To be around all the American athletes was very inspiring. The guys we were sharing with in the athletes village all got back about 2.30 this morning and they were totally wired."

Davenport is looking forward to playing in the doubles with Liezel Huber who became an U.S. citizen last year having represented South Africa at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

"She is by far the most inspired player on the team having just become a U.S. citizen," she said. "She'll be ready to bleed red, white and blue.

"We have a very good chance of winning a medal, I'm full of excitement for the doubles."