An American in Paris

This American came to Paris along side other hopefuls, and was the last one standing at the end of a fortnight. The big names like Lindsay Davenport and Monica Seles were not in contention, and the big hitters like Venus and Serena Williams were sent home early. This American, Jennifer Capriati, put an exclamation point on her already incredible year by adding another Grand Slam title to her name.

Who would have thought? The one-time prodigy who had fallen victim to drug abuse and shoplifting arrests, rising to join the elite of women's tennis. This teen phenom who was destined for tennis greatness over a decade ago, and who had rebelled against all who cared about her, continues to live out the fairytale story.

Perhaps pushed too hard by tennis parents Stefano and Denise, Capriati once showed all the promise of a future star. As if the pressures of being a kid aren't bad enough, she had to also deal with tennis success at a young age. When it got to be too much to bear, Capriati fell off the wagon, so to speak, and dropped out of the tennis world. That world on the dark side is something she doesn't like to talk about these days. The world of drugs and shoplifting, arrests and rehab. Not generally something you see related to a picture perfect story about tennis.

After much soul searching, and a lot of hard work, Capriati is back as a force in women's tennis. She has a new found love for tennis and commitment to the game, and is riding the wave of a monumental comeback. After showing signs of brilliance over the past few years, Capriati has finally put it all together and is now a believer herself. There is no longer any doubt in her mind that she belongs at the top of women's tennis, and she's playing like the world's best.

Amidst press of world number one Swiss Miss, and hype about the Williams sisters, Capriati has done something none of them have. She started off 2001 with a win in Australia to capture her first Grand Slam title, and has now followed that up with another strong performance in Paris to take the French title.

Taking one day at a time, Capriati is enjoying the good life. She's in top physical condition and is confident about her tennis. With the love and support of her family, there's nothing she cannot accomplish. Playing tennis the way she knows she can, there's no player that can beat her. The victories are sweeter now for this twentysomething woman than perhaps as a wide-eyed teenager, but the desire is as bright as ever.

Who was that Russian teenager? Anna Kournikova? No, she still hasn't won a tournament and she's not a teenager anymore. Martina Hingis? Not a Grand Slam title to her name since 1999. The Williams sisters? Who cares! All they've really done lately is make noise. Jennifer Capriati has surpassed them all with her accomplishments both on and off the court.