Thursday, August 07, 2014

Martina Hingis post-match interview at Rogers Cup

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. We're seeing players from the '90s. What is it that's allowing players like yourself to keep playing like Kimiko Date?


MARTINA HINGIS: You can't compare Kimiko Date to normal people. I think she's a real exception. She really gets hot, is more into travel, is still able to produce amazing tennis.

She was running marathons when she wasn't playing. I wouldn't do that. I admire people who are so into sports and great athletes like she is. That's the only way you can survive.

Q. Do you see yourself playing at this level?

MARTINA HINGIS: I don't want to play one or two matches. I'm there to win the tournaments, not just to participate. That was not me, whether I played in the past, when I had the comeback. 

 Already in my comeback, I was 10 years younger, like I won a couple tournaments. I felt like I had a chance to win a Grand Slam. But I wouldn't do it if I didn't feel like I had a chance to do that.

Q. There's a big rising star in Canada that's coming up, Eugenie Bouchard. What do you know of her?

MARTINA HINGIS: I liked her a lot since the first time I watched her and played her like in Liverpool exhibition like four years ago. I said right away, 

This is somebody I would love to work with. She is a great player, has a great attitude about the game, about the tennis, about her progress.

I think she always had great potential. Now she proved it. She always peaks really at the Grand Slams, which shows that she can be a true champion.

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.  

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