TENNIS WTA MONTREAL – 5th of August 2014. An interview with Martina Hingis
Q. Why have you come back and what have you missed the most?
MARTINA HINGIS: For different reasons. The main reason was when I was helping Anastasia last year, she ended up winning a singles tournament and ended up winning the Madrid tournaments in doubles.
We also practice together. We played a practice set against Vesnina/Makarova. I thought maybe I still had some matches in me and maybe I should try that.
Obviously it worked out great with Sabine in Miami. That was my dream to come true that I was still hoping to be able to win big events as we did in Miami. So that’s why.
Q. Did you ever think of coming back in singles as well or no?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, that’s a whole different story. Doubles you have a half court to cover. That’s enough already sometimes. It’s not only the pressure that you have, but it’s the physical part.
This is a lot easier just to play doubles, yes. Sometimes like TeamTennis I play some singles, but it’s only one set. It’s completely different format which suits me really well.
But, yeah, no, you have to have a completely different attitude and dedication to play singles.
Q. Second tournament with Flavia. Talk about your partnership.
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I was lucky to get her for Wimbledon, then we realized it’s a good chemistry, it’s a good fit. We complement each other.
Today was not always the best tennis, not everything was perfect. But a win is a win, so I’m happy.
Q. What do you think is your heritage in singles tennis?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, you would be the ones. You’re the ones who are writing about it, so…
Q. What are you most proud of?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I think not being super strong or athletic. I don’t know, I didn’t have like a big, big weapon, but I had my all around game. I was a very complete player. I saw the game well. That’s what people always like remind me of. They miss my game, the smartness, the cleverness. I think that’s a nice compliment to have.
Q. Going back to Bouchard, you said you’d like to work with her.
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, when I was in the French academy with Patrick, I was like, That would be a great girl to have in the group of young girls. I think they even talked. But she has her group and she’s doing well, so she shouldn’t change everything.
She always had great coaching, whether it was Nathalie Tauziat before. She always had great foundations.
Q. You had success at a young age. She’s a bit older but still young. What is difficult when you’re that young having so much success?
MARTINA HINGIS: There’s nothing difficult about it. The only thing sometimes is the media. When you’re on the court you feel kind of like safe. That’s the ground you feel comfortable and safe because you know you’ve had some success. That’s one thing you can do well. So I always felt good on the court.
Outside the courts, of course, when you’re young, you don’t always make the right decisions. You don’t know everything about the world. You don’t know everything about everybody. Also we’re very protected.
When you’re older, you get more smarter and more educated about things like this. This is much more help.
