HINGIS DIALS UP A COMEBACK AFTER A THREE-YEAR ABSENCE, SHE SHOWS SIGNS OF OLD FORM.Byline: Matthew Kredell Staff Writer INDIAN WELLS Indian Wells may refer to:
She realized two things in these sporadic assignments for television stations that included ESPN ESPN Entertainment and Sports Programming Network . First, she missed the game. The smell of the green grass at Wimbledon, the sound of a well-struck ball and the appreciative response from the crowd - they were what she lived for. Second, there was an opportunity for her in women's tennis if she was physically able. ``Looking at the game from the outside and commentating ... maybe four or five years ago everyone was really determined and hungry,'' Hingis said. ``It was like 20 players out there who could win the tournament. Now, somehow, it feels like it narrowed down to five.'' Hingis faced one of those five on Tuesday and took a big step in her comeback after three years away from tennis by beating former rival Lindsay Davenport Lindsay Ann Davenport (born June 8 1976 in Palos Verdes, California) is a former World No. 1 American professional female tennis champion. She has won three Grand Slam singles tournaments: the 1998 U.S. Open, 1999 Wimbledon, and the 2000 Australian Open. 6-3, 1-6, 6-2 in the fourth round of the Pacific Life Open. ``I felt like I didn't play great, but I thought she played very smart, which is very typical of her,'' said Davenport, who announced after the match that she was diagnosed with a bulging bulge n. 1. A protruding part; an outward curve or swelling. 2. Nautical A bilge. 3. A sudden, usually temporary increase in number or quantity: disc in her lower back last week. ``That's what she does best. I mean, she's always going to be a good player and be dangerous to anybody.'' Hingis, in her first United States United States, officially United States of America, republic (2005 est. pop. 295,734,000), 3,539,227 sq mi (9,166,598 sq km), North America. The United States is the world's third largest country in population and the fourth largest country in area. tournament since her return, advances to face Dinara Safina Dinara Safina (Russian: Дина́ра Муби́новна (Миха́йловна) Са́фина), born of Russia in the quarterfinals today. Davenport, ranked No. 4 in the world, equals Hingis' biggest conquest since she resumed her career in January. Hingis also beat then-No. 4 ranked Maria Sharapova Maria Yuryevna Sharapova (Russian: Мари́я Ю́рьевна Шара́пова listen last month. But Sharapova wasn't even on the tennis radar when Hingis stepped away from the game because of a chronic ankle injury in 2002. Davenport was one of her chief rivals. The two played for the 25th time, with Hingis closing the gap to 11 wins against 14 losses. The two twice met in Grand Slam grand slam n. 1. The winning of all the tricks during the play of one hand in bridge and other whist-derived card games. 2. Sports The winning of all the major or specified events, especially on a professional circuit. finals and twice more for the title at Indian Wells. They last faced off in 2001. ``Once you're on the court and play the first few games of the first set, it definitely felt like being back in there, those big battles we used to have,'' Hingis said. ``Unfortunately, we had to face each other in the fourth round already. But I think it was definitely worth a semis or a final match. Hopefully, I'll get a better ranking soon so I don't have to play her that early.'' Hingis looked like her old self, hustling hustling Medical practice The illegal soliciting of victims of accidents or dread disease, to provide them with services; after being hustled, the Pt's insurance company is usually billed for office visits and treatment. See Ambulance chaser. to reach difficult shots and creating near-impossible angles to move the stiff Davenport around the court. During a critical game in the third set, she blocked two overheads to turn around a point and break Davenport for a 4-1 lead. Those are the sort of things Hingis could not do in 2002. After winning five Grand Slams between 1997 and 1999 and holding the world No. 1 ranking for a total of 209 weeks, she tore ligaments in her right ankle during a match late in 2001. After a three-month layoff, she had a semi-successful season before needing surgery on the ankle in May 2002. She tried to come back at the end of the year but, because of the injury, she no longer had the speed to handle the burgeoning women's power game brought on by players such as Serena and Venus Williams Venus Ebone Starr Williams (born June 17, 1980 in Lynwood, California) is an American professional tennis player. She has been ranked the world's No. 1 female tennis player. As of July 2007, she is the reigning Wimbledon ladies' singles champion. . Rather than play at less than her ability, she walked away from the sport at age 22. Hingis, now 25, has been impressive in her return, sporting a 19-6 record and an appearance in the final at Tokyo. She's trying for her first tournament title in four years. ``I still feel like I would have beaten a lot of players,'' Davenport said. ``She is a very good player. She's going to be at the top as soon as she plays more and more. It's just a matter of her getting more tournaments under her belt.'' Matthew Kredell, (818)713-3607 matthew.kredell(at)dailynews.com CAPTION(S): 2 photos Photo: (1 -- color) In another positive step in her comeback, Martina Hingis defeated Lindsay Davenport on Tuesday in the Pacific Life Open. Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press (2) Since her return from a three-year absence, Martina Hingis is 19-6 and made an appearance in the final at Tokyo. Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press |
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