The Hindu : Sport / Tennis : I am still enjoying the game: Hingis

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Wednesday, Sep 20, 2006
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I am still enjoying the game: Hingis

Amitabha Das Sharma

KOLKATA: Martina Hingis's has to be one of the most successful comebacks in tennis history. Having reached the pinnacle of personal glory as the undisputed leader of women's tennis hardly eight years ago, she had to take a hiatus from the sport after a nasty leg injury three years ago.

She re-emerged with the same gusto early this year and her exceptional ability has seen her climb almost a thousand rungs in the world rankings to reach a spot better than from where she had signed off after sustaining the injury in 2002.

The biggest name at the Sunfeast Open here, alongside Sania Mirza, she made her first appearance before the media on Tuesday.

Addressing questions on her comeback, she said speed was the most important development in the few years of her absence from the circuit. And this is the area she would like focus upon, now that she is back playing big time tennis.

"Speed is a key aspect of the game now," she said. "You can't let people overpower you and over-run you. Since I can't overpower them, I have to use strategy and speed to counter the opponents."

A blemish

Hingis rues the fact that she has not won at Roland Garros yet, but is quick to add that her shortcoming at Paris would not take away the credit of having won five Grand Slams. "One does always look to complete a 'Slam, but that alone can't be a measure of greatness. I have been number one for four years. True, I did not win too many on clay courts; but does not mean I am any lesser. Justine Henin-Hardine has not won the Wimbledon. And that does not take away her greatness as a player." she said.

Hingis said she felt it was the joy of winning, not the name of the title that mattered. She would not have any regrets even if her career were to end without her lifting the trophy at Roland Garros, she said. "The fact that I don't have a French Open title will not make me sad at the end of my career. It will certainly not be a hole in my achievements. I am excited about the game and would continue to enjoy playing tennis the way I have played so far,'' she added.

A rarity

Being one among very few players in the world to be coached by parents opened up an entire line of questioning. "I have been a number one for four years. I have won so many grand slams and it can't get any better than that. My mother (Melanie Molitor) was a pro herself, so she is as good as any professional coach. You need not be a great former tennis player in order to be a great coach. Sometimes, coming from outside the ring helps. It gives you a better perspective about the game," she said.

Asked about her most cherished wins, Hingis said all of the Grand Slam titles she had were special by themselves. The hat-trick at the Australian Open (from 1997 to 99) had special value while winning the Wimbledon had a different charm. "All are unique experiences and can't be compared to each other. I would never put the two in the same bracket. They are all special,'' she said, before signing off.

Humanitarian

Hingis, showed her human side, donating $20,000 to the Missionaries of Charity, founded by Mother Teresa. Enjoying a break after the first round win on Monday, she spent around one hour interacting with the inmates and nuns at the home for the destitute.

Hingis was accompanied by Melinda Czink, Aravane Rezai, Tamarine Tanasugarn, Sandy Gumulya and Liezel Huber.

Hingis said, "the visit to the Mother's house was a very important and inspirational experience. People can hardly emulate the things she has done. She had a vision and goal that people should try to achieve. It's so difficult to live a life like her. If my game and my smile could help people someway, I shall remain thankful."

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