In a World Full of the Arrogant, Lindsay Is a Refreshing Exception

Regarding the profile of Lindsay Davenport, it is always rewarding to read about young people who manage to beat the odds (“Nice Girls Finish First,” by Bill Dwyre, Jan. 17).

But is Bud Collins, the internationally respected tennis writer and commentator, a frustrated tennis player or simply a rather smug, sanctimonious person?

Collins says he always thought that Davenport would be “a nice schoolgirl who’d be happy to weigh 200 pounds and be No. 8.”

Why on earth would anyone write such a vicious thing about a teenage girl who’s obviously trying her very best and succeeding at something she loves?

Jean Jessie

Hollywood

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While volunteering for the Acura Tennis Classic, I noticed that many of the professionals were too busy to sign autographs or just weren’t inclined to do so.

Then I noticed Davenport in her street clothes, chatting with a bystander, and approached her for a photograph. She was quite gracious, even apologizing for having made me wait.

Davenport is correct that she should not be judged by the way she looks. What’s important is her game, and she’s certainly shown that she can walk the walk.

Hey, you don’t see Tennis magazine writing about Pete Sampras’ chest or the length of his hair.

Congratulations, Lindsay--you deserve to be No. 1.

Michele Church

Huntington Beach

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In a world that is bombarded by the arrogance of greedy and selfish athletes, it’s refreshing to read about such a great role model as Davenport, who also happens to be a world-class athlete.

Marie Dillon

Orange

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Davenport has indeed risen to the level of the tennis world’s professional elite. But in one respect, she seems to have fallen back into the type of disappointing behavior typical of rank-and-file athletes who have succumbed to the whims of celebrity.

How do I explain the tattoo flash to my children? It’s really a shame.

Jenny Bioche

Newport Beach