Australian Open

01.09.2007 - Victoria Azarenka defeated MARTINA HINGIS 3-6 ; 6-1 ; 6-0

30.08.2007 - MARTINA HINGIS defeated Pauline Parmentier 6-2 ; 7-5

Martina Hingis Tuesday, August 30, 2007

THE MODERATOR: Questions, please.

Q. Can you talk a little bit about the excitement of playing in New York, the atmosphere at this tournament.
MARTINA HINGIS: It's great. I mean, first when I walked out there, there was not as many people because Arthur Ashe Stadium is a lot of spots to be filled. You know, towards the end of the first set and second set was great atmosphere because there was a lot of people. It felt really like they were very into it. I think towards the second set it was a very exciting match. A lot of long rallies, good points in there, so it was good.
I'm happy it was in straight sets.

Q. Good to see you coming into the net towards the end. Really pushing yourself?
MARTINA HINGIS: I'm trying. Sometimes, you know, from the baseline, especially against the wind, it's very tiring, so you try to shorten up the points a little bit. Like I did the dropshot the first point of the last game. Just really tried to dictate and cut out the angles. That's definitely the key to my game. I know I can't overpower those girls, because she hit a very deep, good forehand, good serve. Not as consistent but, I mean, yeah, you try to be faster than them because you get overpowered. That's the bottom line in my game. It's been like that for the last 12 years, so...

Q. Can you compare how you feel about playing now as opposed to before?
MARTINA HINGIS: I get this question all the time, for the past year or so. It's my second year to be back, so nothing's really changed. It's really just the appreciation. It's there. I'm very happy to be playing again. I already did better than last year. So, you know, I've feel like I've got nothing to lose out here this time.

Q. Were you feeling hurt at all today or are you at a hundred percent health wise?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I mean, it was a very intense last six days. Always a lot of people. Yesterday also with the doubles. I mean, there was quite a wait. You know, you get out here, it's 11:00, probably get out of here it's 7:00, 8:00. So it's like long waiting working hours. The intensity is short when you're out there, but it's a very long day so you try to keep it as short as possible. Today hopefully I overcame kind of my little crisis. I still played well. But, definitely, the little spark which I had in the first match, I mean, yesterday I felt really good in doubles. Sometimes the intensity, you have to watch out that you don't overdo it, but still do enough. That's the key in Grand Slams. That's why there is a champion at the end of the day holding up the trophy who lasts the longest. You're not allowed to make any mistakes over two weeks.

Q. Were you feeling tired today?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I mean, a little bit when you're trying to be intense. Like I said, there's so much going on, so much action all the time, and so many people you're looking at. You know, first match you always try to focus. I felt really good, and also yesterday. But that's the reason why probably top players -- not probably, but for sure, you have to try to cut down the hours out here. And then also it took us an hour to get out here this morning. It's just all these little things which you have to try to put it all in one.

Q. Do you ever get nervous anymore?
MARTINA HINGIS: When I don't feel a hundred percent, yeah, I get nervous because I know I'm not probably at my best at that point. But I haven't felt really nervous I mean, it's good to be a little bit nervous, to have that tension to go out there. You need that. I feel like I've done everything in the last couple, three weeks or last month to give myself the best opportunity to do well. You know, I mean, I'm in the third round now. See how far it's going to take me.

Q. You were sort of a dangerous floater for a while. Can you remember a draw with so many of the serious contenders concentrated in one half of the draw?
MARTINA HINGIS: To be honest, I didn't really look at the draw that much.

Q. Williams sisters are in the top half.
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, I know, pretty much it's very crowded up there. It's not like -- right now in my position, I don't feel like I can underestimate anybody out there. I mean, any opponent on a given day can come out and beat you. I think I'm playing Azarenka next. I don't think she's got such an easy draw next round. I think she won, right?

Q. Yes.
MARTINA HINGIS: She's a tough, up and coming player. You never know what you're going to get.

Q. Are you comfortable with what style you're playing now? Do you know exactly what you have to do? Does it depend on the opponent?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I know my strength and weaknesses. Today, yeah, probably -- I mean, my baseline game's always been out there. It's whether I can put it all together. I mean, served today not probably the best. I mean, I came out when I needed it, especially at the end, you know, being down 5 4, Love 30. That doesn't feel that great. But then I served really well the next game, and still the last game was much better. Sometimes that's when you have to come out and focus. It was also a little hotter today, I felt, especially in the second set when you do a lot of running.Although in Florida it's been very hot where I trained, still the intensity and the tension is a bit different when you really play seriously out there, you play a match.

Q. Is the new racquet geared toward getting more pop into your serve?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, you know, you feel great, everything is going well, everything works. Then, you know, sometimes -- I don't know. You have to have the feeling that you try to have the best materials. Sometimes it's definitely also in the head, you know, what works.

Q. Is it geared towards getting a little bit more power in your game?
MARTINA HINGIS: I mean, I've always been more a defense player and then try to get into an offensive position, so I feel like it's helping me in that way, I guess.

Q. You used successfully a combination of dropshots and lobs out there today.
MARTINA HINGIS: You try to mix it up, to give the opponent a different look every time. I think the crowd enjoyed it, too.

Q. What's your strategy going into tiebreakers?
MARTINA HINGIS: Try not to have one. Try to win before (laughter).

Q. But put in that position, what is your thinking going into them?
MARTINA HINGIS: I think overall I've done pretty well in my career in the tiebreakers. I think once you get into that stage, you're a good player and you're able to hold and last with the opponent. I think it's the intensity which you have to really bring into a short amount of points. I mean, it's pretty intense for like five minutes. I mean, I've always trained to be focused and intense. So you have to bring it on and bring the game.

Q. A player like you who has accomplished so much, can you really go out there in a match when you're into a third or fourth round and really say, I have nothing to lose?
MARTINA HINGIS: No (smiling). I do, I don't. I mean, obviously, you know, like I said on the court in the interview, I feel very privileged to be able to play on Ashe Stadium. Not everybody gets to play out there, especially not when you're seeded 16. But it's nice that I'm given the chance and opportunity to play out there, show myself from a good side. I mean, that's the occasion when you really have to step out there and do well.
I've always done that in the past. I mean, obviously made some good experiences and some good matches out there, some memories.

Q. But you wouldn't be in this tournament if you didn't think if you play at your level you can do some kind of damage?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yes.

FastScripts by ASAP Sports

28.08.2007 - MARTINA HINGIS defeated Mathilde Johansson 6-0 ; 6-3

Martina Hingis

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. Very strong first-round match. Do you feel pretty good about the first one under your belt?
MARTINA HINGIS: Oh, definitely, because sometimes when you have a rough couple of months, coming back from an injury, all that, it's like L.A. and San Diego, the tournaments were a little bit rusty, rocky. I just took some time off, get my body and myself back together. Today I'm very pleased. I hope I can continue this way.

Q. Are you over the injuries, feeling at full health?
MARTINA HINGIS: Yeah, I mean, the way I moved today, I think it looked quite all right, the way I played.
You're always a little bit nervous about something happening. When you're injured, you don't want to get it back or something, so you try to strengthen things. I'm happy that I have good people around me right now and they help me to stay healthy. It's good.

Q. When you look back, 10 years since you won here, does that feel like 10 years or does that feel like a lifetime ago?
MARTINA HINGIS: Depends. Sometimes it feels like yesterday, sometimes like a lifetime. I think when you wake up in the morning you feel really good, you feel like you've been on the tour forever. Also by the fans, the recognition I get, I was given over the years, the response has been tremendous. I walk into New York restaurants, people know me. It's a great thing to be rewarded with. I'm just very happy to be back out here and playing good tennis.

Q. Is it mentally tough to go from being a favorite to a has been, days have come and gone?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, it's kind of funny, they put up this poster, me holding a trophy. I'm like, okay, I look really young. Short haircut, all that. It's been 10 years. I mean, I know that. Really, I had time off. I had a good comeback last year. I tried to bring the best today, not think about what has happened. I know that nobody can take away from me. You have to keep evolving and keep trying to get better.

Q. Expectations aren't as high. Pressures maybe are less than 10 years ago.
MARTINA HINGIS: Definitely. I get to play on center court. That felt really good. My name's still out there. Not all the people get to play on Arthur Ashe Stadium. I got to play out there today. I feel very proud of that.

Q. Did you almost exceed your expectations last year?
MARTINA HINGIS: Well, I have nothing to lose. Last year I lost second round, so I haven't had, like I said, the last couple months were kind of rocky road with all the injuries and that. Every match is a good match. Every victory is a good one. I feel like I can only win at this tournament, only get better.

Q. I guess I meant career-wise. You made the year end final, your comeback was pretty remarkable. Did you exceed your own expectations? Did that set up a higher bar for you this year?
MARTINA HINGIS: I did. It wasn't as I expected. The first couple months I played a lot. I won Tokyo. I had quarterfinals again at the Aussie Open. Everything was a smooth ride. But after that, you know, here and there, the injuries came. Everything wasn't a bed of roses anymore. Yeah, I played Wimbledon where I still had only the week preparation going into Wimbledon. Now I had two weeks of good training. You know, sometimes you feel like it's not never enough. But I definitely played a good match today. I'll hopefully work my way into the tournament.

Q. When you looked at the draw, you're in the part of the draw that people say is a bit softer. Were you glad to be there after the injuries this summer?
MARTINA HINGIS: Some say it's softer. Some say it's harder. It depends how you look at it. I mean, of course, the first two, three rounds I'm supposed to win. I really take it one at a time because I don't have that many matches under my belt. I look forward to my next match. I don't know that girl that well, Parmentier. I guess I get that French section going. Definitely I have a few people to look at her, to tell me about her. Kuznetsova had last week a good run, winning the tournament. We've played before. Hopefully we get to meet again.

Q. I notice your frame is painted black, no stencils. The usual Yonex bag is missing. Are you playing with a frame you're familiar with, looking for a new deal?
MARTINA HINGIS: I'm not talking about this subject right now. Yup, it's a black frame. Testing racquet.

Q. If you don't win the tournament, who would you like to see win the tournament, man and woman?
MARTINA HINGIS: You don't want to see anybody else but yourself holding the trophy. I'm sorry. I can't give another answer.

Q. Can you take us through the injuries, what you've done to rehab yourself?
MARTINA HINGIS: My hip, back, femur bone was inflamed. Like stress reaction.

Q. When did that begin?
MARTINA HINGIS: It began like after Miami. I felt it a bit in the doubles of Miami, but I continued to play. That's when I pulled out of Charleston, the first time, just kind of went, Oh. Didn't think much of it. Usually my body recovers pretty quickly. The more I do it kind of helps it. This time it was just like getting worse.
I don't know how to call it. My hip was uneven, I guess.

Q. Out of alignment?
MARTINA HINGIS: Out of alignment. I mean, the more you did, you kind of made it worse because then you start compensating. I saw a few doctors and was in Munich. That helped. I started recovering, yup.

Q. You've been through a lot of different things in your career.
MARTINA HINGIS: No kidding (laughter).

Q. When you see young girls coming up now, you were younger than most of them when you first started, do you look at them and say, You have no idea what this life is like?
MARTINA HINGIS: I see the freshness, the hunger, all that. That's how I used to be. Sometimes the older you get, maybe sometimes priorities change. You look at life differently. There's days that you think, oh, that was kind of a nice lifestyle when I didn't have to train every day like six hours, when I had the time off. But then on the other hand like right now I feel like I don't want to miss a minute off, being out there, being able to compete, all these things. You try to put things on a scale. I'm a Libra anyway. Try to balance things.

Q. If you could go back and change one aspect of your early years, what would you change?
MARTINA HINGIS: Maybe that French Open final (laughter). I wish I won that one.

Q. When you think about it, do you wish you were just a bit more in control?
MARTINA HINGIS: No, I think I kind of was. In the match I was in control, but all of a sudden it slipped away. I let it slip away. I was two points away from victory. Three points. It was 15-All. Anyway, it was just like I had it in my hands. But that's maybe one of the only ones. Many other things went my way. Some didn't. It kind of balances out.

Q. John McEnroe says every year when he goes back to Roland Garros to do commentary he loses at least one night of sleep about his loss.
MARTINA HINGIS: There's a few people like that, right, who has never won the French Open.

Q. Do you ever lose sleep about that match?
MARTINA HINGIS: Oh, no, no. I'm more relaxed about it today, you know. They keep showing it in the rain delays anyway. I try not to really look at it. But that match made history, so on the other hand it was good. If I win 4-4, nobody would talk about it.

Q. How would you compare your game today compared to 1997? Are you a better player today with not as good of results?
MARTINA HINGIS: I think the game evolves all the time, so you have to think you're a better player today. I mean, maybe some things, the experience kicks in. I used to recover faster when I was younger. It's kind of ongoing bunny, like in the ads, because I used to play so much more. When I think of '97 I was 85-5 and played also doubles matches along with all the singles. I just really played a lot of tennis at that time. That kind of kept going for the next four, five years. It's not like that anymore. I really have to, you know, tell myself differently now.