The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : Martina Hingis proficient in doubles too

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jan 25, 2006

Sport

Sport - Tennis

Martina Hingis proficient in doubles too

MELBOURNE: Martina Hingis, back from a three-year retirement, is as proficient on the doubles court as she is in singles at the Australian Open.

Hingis, who plays a quarterfinal singles match on Wednesday against Kim Clijsters, advanced to the same stage in mixed doubles on Tuesday.

Teaming with Mahesh Bhupathi of India, the unseeded pair defeated the second-seeded combination of Jonas Bjorkman and Lisa Raymond 7-5, 6-7(7), 10-7. In addition to her five Grand Slam singles titles, Hingis has won nine Grand Slam doubles crowns — including four Australian Open doubles titles.

Bhupathi, a doubles specialist, has won eight Grand Slam doubles titles but none at Melbourne Park.

Coaching or encouragement?

The players are not the only ones sweating in Maria Sharapova's matches.

The 2004 Wimbledon champion's father, Yuri Sharapov, seems to use plenty of energy on the sidelines.

Sharapov was an animated presence in the stands during his daughter's 7-6(6), 6-4 win over fellow Russian Nadia Petrova at the Australian Open on Tuesday.

He gestured, nodded or offered encouragement during the match, and when the fourth-seeded Sharapova won big points, often raised his fists, clapped or jumped to his feet.

In between, he mixed a drink that he had delivered to his daughter during a changeover. He even had to change shirts at one point.

Sharapova frequently looked in the stands after points and at changeovers.

When his daughter's place in the semifinal was achieved, Sharapov jumped to his feet, and kissed his hands three times before turning and leaving the court.

Sharapova admits she looks to her dad and entourage ``for inspiration, for motivation.''

There is a fine line between what is deemed encouragement and what is considered coaching — which is against the rules and can result in financial penalties or warnings.

At this year's Australian Open, Argentina's Paola Suarez has been fined US $1,000 (euro815) after her coach offered advice from the stands.

The fine was reduced to US$500 (euro407.50) on appeal. — AP

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