Kournikova Announces Desire for Doubles-Only Return with Hingis
Posted on August 4, 2006
Martina Hingis, who like Anna Kournikova participated in the World TeamTennis league this summer, says her former Russian doubles partner is considering a doubles-only comeback.
Hingis and Kournikova, the "Spice Girls" as they were referred to as a team in their heyday, won the Australian Open in 2002 and in 1999.
"Obviously, Martina is one of the greatest players ever, you know," Kournikova said after the pair's 2002 win. "She has been No. 1, and the way, her game -- and just, even now, the ranking. I that think she's, you know, a top player. And obviously I do learn a lot from her and just, she's a great champion and it's just really great and nice that we get along so well and that we make such a good team, you know, and that's it. I just have lots of respect for her."
Hingis would go on to retire the following year before returning in 2006 and now inspiring a possible Kournikova return. The Russian pin-up has ruled out a singles return due to back problems which cut her season short in 2003.
"She'd really have to commit herself and grind it out," said Hingis of the 25-year-old Kournikova. "She used to have her mother and a great support team to help her and she doesn't have that now. You can't just play one week and come back. You have to be more professional about it."
Hingis played an exhibition with Kournikova in December 2005 and was politically correct in telling reporters she was less than impressed, and would want to see the Russian in top form before they resumed their partnership.
"She was okay," Hingis said of Kournikova's form. "But she would have to train. I don't want to go out there and lose first round."
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