His first steps in tennis were key for innate talent to see the light in front of the eyes of the world. Multiple Grand Slam champion and No. 1 in both singles and doubles, Martina Hingis left a mark throughout her years as a professional that remains valid today. In this note we review part of his career.
History in the Grand Slams
In 1996, Hingis became the youngest player in history – at 15 years and 9 months – to win a Grand Slam title by winning Wimbledon in doubles alongside Helena Sukova. Months later, he stayed with the Australian Open in both modalities, climbing to No. 1 in the individual ranking to start a dream season. Soon the victory came in the All England after beating in the final to Jana Novotna and later, the victory in the US Open against Venus Williams.
Before she was 19 years old, the Czechoslovakian and Swiss nationalized tennis player won all of her major singles titles – the five she won throughout her career. In that short period of time, the young woman majestically broke into a hyper competitive circuit with figures of the level of Steffi Graf, Gabriela Sabatini, Arantxa Sánchez Vicario and Monica Seles.
Hopman Cup junto a Federer
In 2001, Martina arrived in Perth to participate in the Hopman Cup as the great figure of the Swiss team. At his side, a young man Roger Federer it completed the formation that would be released in the zone of groups in front of the premises. A round debut for the Swiss duo that ended up taking all three matches in straight sets.
The second date brought complications on Federer’s side but Hingis’ experience ended up tilting the balance towards Switzerland. Ultimately versus Thailand, both clinched the victories that positioned them as Group A leaders to advance to the final.
In the decisive match against the United States, the European duo lost the doubles to Monica Seles and Jan-Michael Gambill. However, they both served their individual matches, seizing the 13th edition of the Hopman Cup. “It was great for Switzerland to have someone of their caliber”, recognized Roger Federer in retrospect on Hingis and his key captaincy in that competition.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tM5_uvuDAtg
Leadership in the WTA Finals
On five occasions, the original from Kosice concluded seasons as the best tennis player of the year in the WTA Finals. One of the most special was in the 2000 edition. There he conquered both modalities: in singles after beating Monica Seles and in doubles – along with Kournikova– by defeating the duo made up of Nicole arendt and Manon Bollegraf. A feat that no one else has relieved so far.
Number 1 in singles and doubles
His first appearance at the top of the individual ranking was in March 1997. Place he held for a total of 209 weeks. A figure that places her only behind the legendary Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Serena Williams and Chris Evert. The following year, the Swiss reached No. 1 in doubles, a place she inhabited for 89 weeks. It stayed on the crest of both lists at the same time for 29 weeks. A more than representative position in his extensive career as he decided to close his professional relationship with the sport after capturing -one more time- the top position in 2017.
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