Capriati comeback ranks among the best

One of the greatest comeback stories in sports is going on in front of our faces. It is going on in a different venue each time, from one part of the globe to the other, but touching everyone just the same.

Jennifer Capriati is back. The one-time wonder girl, who a few years ago was more into drugs than deuces, is now the holder of half a Grand Slam. She is four weeks of Grand Slam tournament action from accomplishing a feat that hasn't been done since 1988, when Steffi Graf ruled the women's tennis world.

Capriati has done it with a piece of the past, but with a new outlook on the future. Her booming serve, powerful groundstrokes are the same as when she was first on the scene. After becoming overweight, she has trained maniacally to get to where she now, deservedly, sits atop the tennis world.

She's also done it with a different style. From when she first started making a comeback until now, Capriati has done it with an attitude and philosophy that is refreshing. She won't talk specifically about her troubled past, but will talk in general terms about the changes that she has made, which is all that we can expect her to do.

There are some things that stay the same. Her father, Stefano, is still her coach, although this time is looks like dad and daughter have finally struck a balance on which role Stefano is to play, dad or coach. Her brother, Steven, is her hitting partner and one of her closest friends. Her mother, Denise, is still one of the most important people in her life.

Capriati has chosen her friends better. After a long relationship with men's player Xavier Malisse, Capriati has decided to go at it alone, insulated by her family, but most importantly supported. Her family is there for comfort, for privacy, for protection. That alone has made her life more stable off the court, and allows for excellence on it.

Her attitude is better, which may be the biggest change of all. Capriati, earlier in her comeback, had lost the joy that came with hitting a ball across the net, of getting a backhand winner. The crowd wanted to cheer for her, but didn't see the dedication that is needed for someone who wants to be cheered.

Fans cheer those who put forth an effort. Who work on the court, and off the court, to get better. By getting in better shape, Capriati has shown that she has the desire to improve herself as a player, and the joy that she exhibits in winning a match, or a major title, is replicated by the fans who appreciate her effort.

On the court, well, there isn't much that has changed since her early days. The serve and the groundstrokes are there. Her net game has decreased slightly, but not to the point where it harms her. She has shown the ability to play on hard courts throughout the season, plus the clay-courts of Europe.

Now comes Wimbledon, where her serve should be an advantage, while her groundstrokes won't be harmed as much, since very few women play a serve-and-volley game. Capriati winning Wimbledon? It could happen. The thought here is that should Capriati win Wimbledon, the U.S. Open would not be far behind. The American crowd will root for Capriati against anyone else, including the vaunted Williams sisters.

A Grand Slam would then be complete, as well as a comeback that inspires all of those that follow sports. Because they can see that there is a way out from the bottom. That the cream can rise to the top, and excel beyond anyone's wildest dreams.