Hingis to take on Bencic in Hobart

 

Originally published on: 02/12/13 00:00

The three-time Australian Open champion will play the 2013 junior French Open and Wimbledon champion in a friendly match at the Hobart International on January 5.

“I am very much looking forward to coming to Hobart,” Hingis said. “I have a lot of happy memories from down under and I am sure that my time in Hobart will be another one to add to the list.

“I have been to many places in the world but have yet to come to Hobart. I have heard great things about the event and I look forward to being a part of a fun night of tennis there.”

"It’s an historical first for the event and we’re excited to welcome Martina to Tasmania for this special exhibition match,” said tournament director Mark Handley.

"Martina is one of the most decorated female tennis players of all time, it will be her first visit to our great state and her first opportunity to play in front of her fans here.”

Hingis, who came out of retirement for a second time last summer to play doubles with Daniela Hantuchova, has a hectic schedule in January. The Swiss has also committed to the World Tennis Challenge in Adelaide as well as the Australian Open Legends event. However, Hingis insists there is no singles return on the cards.

“I am not looking too far ahead,” Hingis said recently. ”I will not be making a singles comeback. But I do still enjoy competing and there were a lot of positives from playing doubles in 2013.

“I am in decent shape at the moment and we’ll see how I feel after the Auckland, Hobart and the Australian Open Legends (event). I still have the same court sense and I am in decent shape. But back then I was more tournament fit so maybe `a little more energy’ v `a little wiser today’.”

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