Up Close & Personal with Martina Hingis at Roland Garros

Martina Hingis, former world no.1 and two-time French Open finalist is here at Roland Garros to defend her Perrier Legends trophy alongside Lindsay Davenport. She was kind enough to answer our questions.


What was your most embarrassing moment on court?


Oh, that’s easy! It was during the finals here at Roland Garros when I went back out on the court crying with my mom for the trophy ceremony (1999). Embarrassing, wouldn’t you say? Otherwise, I always find it a bit awkward to see photos where you can see up my skirt. At the French Open, the photographers in the pits seem to love those shots of the women. Plus, when I was playing, we didn’t wear shorts under our skirts, just ugly bloomers.


What was the worst excuse you ever had for missing a practice session?


It was not possible for me to miss a practice! How do you think that would work? My mom was always there. I couldn’t say my alarm didn’t go off – Mom was my alarm! Sometimes I missed practices but only when I was hurt or sick. Otherwise I it wasn’t even an option. At the most, I might have been a few minutes late.


What was your craziest night on the tour?


I had a great time at the parties at the Australian Open at the beginning of the year. We were all there, young and beautiful (laughing). I was always happy to have a day off so I could have a little fun.


Who did you dream of kissing when you were a teenager?


Kiss might be going too far, but I would have loved to meet Johnny Depp when he was on 21 Jump Street. Today it’s different – he’s taken (laughing)! He’s got a great relationship with Vanessa Paradis. It’s rare to see that with movie stars.


Are you jealous of another player and why?


I’ve never been jealous of another player for how they play. I don’t think I was so bad. As far as someone’s style off the court, it would have to be Anna Kournikova or Mary Pierce. They were divas!


Who did you get your first autograph from?


Monica Seles. I remember really well, it was in Zurich when she was there for the tournament. A newspaper had set up a meeting because I was 12 and already Swiss champion. I got a photo and her autograph. I told Monica about it years later and she still remembered.


The craziest spending spree you went on that you later regretted?


Horses, maybe. I bought several during a time, I maybe went too far. You know how when you’re at a sale and you get caught up in things and find yourself bidding higher and higher, like if you were at a casino. It’s hard to stop. I got a little carried away. Other than that, I’ve been reasonable. Just clothes and shoes – girl stuff.


What is your most stupid nickname?


I’ve never really had any nicknames.


What is your worst habit on court?


When I was younger, I used to throw around my racquets and break them. Luckily, I’ve calmed down since!


 The craziest thing you’ve done to attract a guy?


I’m pretty romantic and I like to plan surprises. I recently bought plane tickets without telling my husband where we were going. But he kept asking me and I ended up spilling the beans the day before we left (laughing).


Who is the person that you never had the guts to talk to, either on the circuit or elsewhere?


At first I was awestruck by all the players! When I was in juniors, I really admired Steffi (Graf), Gabriela (Sabatini) and Arantxa (Sanchez). So when they asked me to train with them, it was a like a dream!


If you could exchange one of your Grand Slam trophies for another, which would it be?


Iva (Majoli) and I have already worked out a switch – her French Open for one of my Australian Opens (laughing).


rolandgarros.com

Love her answer to the last one!.  And I must say I kind of miss the nostalgia of racquet smashing (most players are way too composed these days).