Davenport ready for Fed Cup journey into the unknown

LA JOLLA, California (Reuters) - United States number one Lindsay Davenport is preparing for the relative unknown in this week's Fed Cup world group first round tie against Germany.

Davenport, who returned to the court last September after an 11-month absence to have a baby, will play singles matches on Saturday and Sunday against opponents she barely recognizes.

"That's happened to me a lot recently," Davenport told a news conference on Friday after being drawn to meet Sabine Lisicki in the opening encounter at La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club.

"After taking a year off, there have been a lot of players who, since I've come back, I haven't known that much about.

"So for me that means I need to focus on my game and what I need to do well," added the former world number one. "No matter what event I'm at, I always feel like my job is to take care of myself and my game.

"I'm just going to take it that's it in my hands. I feel like if I play really well, I'll be in control of my match."

PAYING ATTENTION

U.S. number two Ashley Harkleroad takes on Germany's top-ranked Tatjana Malek in the second singles match on Saturday and Davenport plans to pay close attention.

"I'll definitely go out there and watch Ashley play so I can get a sense of how my opponent will play first thing on Sunday," the 31-year-old American said. She will meet Malek in the reverse singles.

"Luckily I always have someone who reports back to me on how other people play: my coach. Here I have a whole team support of people that do that."

Davenport, a former Wimbledon, U.S. Open and Australian Open champion, is delighted to be back in the Fed Cup environment after almost three years away.

"It's really exciting," said the Californian, who last represented her country in the team competition in the 2005 quarter-final against Belgium.

"When I decided to come back, I definitely made a commitment to Fed Cup for hopefully the full year and to be part of the Olympics. Representing my country is something I have always taken great pride in and have enjoyed immensely."

Davenport, who gave birth to a son, Jagger, last June before mounting a triumphant WTA Tour comeback, has a win-loss record of 31-2 in Fed Cup play where she has gone 25-2 in singles matches and 6-0 in the doubles.

She made her Fed Cup debut in 1993 and has led her country to five finals and titles in 1996, 1999 and 2000.

(Editing by Clare Lovell)