Speaking in Vancouver Wednesday night where she was collaborating on her new Tonic Tennis clothing line, the former world No. 1 who has twice retired from tennis, the most recent being in November 2007, said "there's talks definitely, but it's a bit premature."
The 30-year-old Hingis, who is playing on the World Team Tennis Tour and partnered with Lindsay Davenport earlier this month to win the Wimbledon Ladies Invitation Doubles title, defeating Martina Navratilova and Jana Novotna in straight sets, said ultimately it would require a total commitment on her part to form what would be a dream pairing with Federer, the 16-times Grand Slam winner and current world number three.
"If, if, if. I mean definitely I would have to play some tournaments, like mingle around, play some doubles, some mixed (doubles) at Grand Slams. But that's another issue if you want to go through all that," said Hingis, a winner of five Grand Slams in singles, nine in doubles and one in mixed doubles during an illustrious career.
"I'm not quite up there anymore. I think it is pretty much something that, you know, it's like players of today who are out there and play like (Andy) Roddick and (Serena) Williams ... it's almost like an unbeatable combination, so you have to definitely think even like going out there there are very strong pairings. I would not want to put myself in that position and look stupid. You have to be totally committed."
Hingis, who turned pro at 14 and held the world No. 1 position for 209 weeks, said it had been four years since she last played pro tennis. She added she still enjoyed playing team tennis and was "quite proud" of herself that she could still play Serena Williams and "hold her own".
Last weekend in New York, the pair met for the first time in nine years in Williams' Team Tennis debut in New York. Williams won the first match 5-3, and Hingis took the second match by an identical score.
With Roddick and Williams committed to play mixed doubles for the U.S.A. at next year's Summer Olympics, the addition of a Hingis and Federer pairing would undoubtedly be a major boost for the profile of tennis worldwide, and one of the stories of the Games.
Previously, Hingis had only partnered once with the then largely unknown Federer at the 2001 Hopman Cup.
Despite the Olympic speculation, Hingis remained non-committal.
"I didn't always play all the Olympics. I participated in one (in 1996) and I'm happy with that," she said.
Hingis explained her association with the Vancouver-based Tonic Lifestyle Apparel came about by chance.
While appearing on the British television show Strictly Come Dancing in 2009, she bought some workout clothes made by the company and loved the material and quality.
After being introduced to the company's management, a new corporation, Tonic Tennis, was formed with Hingis a stakeholder. The company plans to debut 15 pieces of clothing in the spring of 2012.
The hands-on Hingis called the clothing line a "great challenge," adding it was something she could dedicate herself to, as opposed to her playing days, now that she had more time.
"It's great. I've always loved fashion," she said. "I met the designer, we had conference calls. I tested some of the clothing and we have a few little adjustments. She' s doing a great job and we work well together and hopefully, when the line is going to be out there, people like it as much as I do."
Hingis said her goal was to produce classy items that combined quality materials, have a comfortable feel and are fashionable.
Tonic president Leopoldo Gutierrez said the company, which initially made its name in yoga wear, could go further with the high-profile Hingis aboard.
"She's totally involved, working with the design team and testing the product. It's not just an endorsement. I see a lot of potential with Martina's cooperation."
Gutierrez said the line would initially come to Asia through Hong Kong and then be introduced in other markets, including China's mainland where the success of French Open winner Li Na has increased the interest in tennis.
"Martina has a big, big name in Asia. We are starting close to home in North America and a little bit in Europe, a little bit in Asia," he said. "With time, and with her name and charisma, we'll be okay."
"It's great. I've always loved fashion," she said. "I met the designer, we had conference calls. I tested some of the clothing and we have a few little adjustments. She' s doing a great job and we work well together and hopefully, when the line is going to be out there, people like it as much as I do."
Hingis said her goal was to produce classy items that combined quality materials, have a comfortable feel and are fashionable.
Tonic president Leopoldo Gutierrez said the company, which initially made its name in yoga wear, could go further with the high-profile Hingis aboard.
"She's totally involved, working with the design team and testing the product. It's not just an endorsement. I see a lot of potential with Martina's cooperation."
Gutierrez said the line would initially come to Asia through Hong Kong and then be introduced in other markets, including China's mainland where the success of French Open winner Li Na has increased the interest in tennis.
"Martina has a big, big name in Asia. We are starting close to home in North America and a little bit in Europe, a little bit in Asia," he said. "With time, and with her name and charisma, we'll be okay."
newsxinhuanet.com
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