Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis, born on September 30, 1980, in Kosice, Slovakia, is a Swiss professional tennis player. She is widely recognized as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. Hingis started her professional career in 1994 and by 1997, she had become the youngest ever World No. 1 in women's singles tennis.

Hingis is known for her exceptional hand-eye coordination, anticipation, and intelligent playing style. She has won numerous individual awards, including five Grand Slam singles titles, and holds several records, such as the youngest ever Grand Slam winner and World No. 1.

Off the court, Hingis is also recognized for her influence in promoting tennis and her charitable contributions.

Early Career

• Hingis was born in Slovakia and moved to Switzerland at a young age. She turned professional in 1994.

Rise to Fame

• Hingis claimed her first Grand Slam title at the 1997 Australian Open, becoming the youngest Grand Slam singles winner in the 20th century. She went on to win the Wimbledon and the U.S. Open in the same year, securing her position as the World No. 1.

Continued Success

• In the following years, Hingis continued her dominance in women's tennis, winning numerous titles and maintaining her top ranking. She won the Australian Open singles title in 1998 and 1999.

Comeback

• After retiring from professional tennis due to injuries in 2003, Hingis made a successful comeback in 2006. Although she did not win any more Grand Slam singles titles, she showed great performances in doubles and mixed doubles events.

Retirement

• Hingis officially retired from professional tennis in 2017, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

Switzerland National Team

• Hingis represented Switzerland in several international competitions, including the Fed Cup and the Olympics.
• She helped Switzerland reach the final of the 1998 Fed Cup.
• Hingis won silver in women's doubles at the 2016 Rio Olympics.

• Style: Hingis is known for her tactical and intelligent style of play. She relies more on precision, anticipation, and variety rather than power.
• Skills: Hingis' game is characterized by her excellent hand-eye coordination, clever shot selection, and ability to change the pace and direction of the ball with ease.

• Family: Hingis has one daughter. She is currently married to Harald Leemann.
• Charity: Hingis has been involved in various charitable activities, including animal rights advocacy and supporting underprivileged children.

• Martina Hingis is celebrated not only for her extraordinary talent and numerous records, but also for her tactical intelligence and longevity in professional tennis. Her impact on the sport and her status as an icon extend beyond the court, inspiring millions of fans around the world.

Grand Slam Singles Titles:

• 5 titles

Youngest Ever Grand Slam Winner:

• Won the 1997 Australian Open at age 16

Youngest Ever World No. 1:

• Achieved the top ranking in 1997 at age 16

Grand Slam Doubles Titles:

• 13 titles in women's doubles and mixed doubles

Books

• Wertheim, L. (2007) The Courts of Babylon: Tales of Greed and Glory in the Harsh New World of Professional Tennis. New York: Simon & Schuster.
• Hingis, M. (2001) Martina Hingis: My Life. London: CollinsWillow.

Websites

• WTA: Information about Martina Hingis’ career and achievements. Available at: https://www.wtatennis.com
• ITF: Details about Hingis’ career at the International Tennis Federation. Available at: https://www.itftennis.com
• Olympics: Official site with updates on Hingis’ performance and records at the Olympics. Available at: https://www.olympics.com

Articles

• ESPN: Martina Hingis: Career in numbers. Available at: https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/21103616/tennis-numbers-martina-hingis-career
• The Guardian: Martina Hingis’ career highlights and records. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/oct/26/martina-hingis-retires-tennis

Interviews and Documentaries

• Martina Hingis: The Prodigy (2016): This documentary provides a detailed look at Hingis’ life and career, featuring interviews with her family, friends, and colleagues.
• ESPN Interviews: Various interviews and features on Martina Hingis, covering different aspects of her career. Available at: https://www.espn.com