Martina Hingis made a successful return to competitive tennis on Monday after a three-year absence, beating Maria Vento-Kabchi of Venezuela 6-2, 6-1 at the Australian Women’s Hardcourt Championships.
The 25-year-old Hingis, winner of five Grand Slam singles titles, made a nervous start when both players exchanged service breaks. But the former world number one from Switzerland, showing no signs of an extended layoff due to chronic foot injuries, outplayed her opponent for the rest of the match.
Tournament spokesperson Eloise Tyson said Hingis appeared to be free from injury at the end of the match.
Hingis also plans to play in next week’s Sydney International on a wild card and the Australian Open at Melbourne beginning on January 16, a tournament she has won three times. – Sapa-AP