Martina Hingis was on top of the tennis world in 1999.
The Swiss legend, a former world number one, began the year by winning her third consecutive Australian Open Women’s Singles title, while also winning the doubles event alongside Anna Kournikova.
A few months later, Hingis made her second Slam final of the year at the French Open. She lost on this occasion to Steffi Graf.
When Wimbledon rolled around in June, Hingis was one of the favourites to lift her first Wimbledon title.
Hingis was seeded first at the event, but was unable to advance past the first round.
Martina Hingis lost to Jelena Dokic in the 1999 Wimbledon first round
In the first round of the 1999 Wimbledon Championships, Martina Hingis was stunned by qualifier Jelena Dokic.
Dokic, who went on to achieve a career-high ranking of world number four, was only 16 years old when she defeated Hingis 6-2 6-0.
The Australian player, who had come through qualifying, reflected on her triumph in 2024 while on the Sit-Down Podcast.
She said: “The match in a way was almost a blur, because it went by quite quick and you’re so focused,” said Dokic, who won 6-2, 6-0.
“I got to the third round of Australian Open just five months before, as a 15-year-old, and I actually lost to Martina in the third round. And then we had a practice week going into Roland Garros, and she was always lovely and we used to practice together.
“So I remember I did feel a little bit more comfortable going into this match. Still, Martina can do anything on the court that you just didn’t know what was coming next, she was so crafty.
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“But I went out there, and I was on a mission, and I knew exactly how I wanted to play and what I needed to do.”
Dokic’s achievement remains the only occasion on which a WTA world number one has ever lost to a qualifier at Wimbledon.
Dokic won titles on every surface during her career. Her best performance at a Grand Slam singles event came in 2000, when she reached the Wimbledon semi-finals.
The Australian was also an excellent doubles player, reaching the French Open final in 2001.
What did Martina Hingis say after the match?
As reported by BBC News, Hingis said after the match: “This tournament we decided to have a little distance.”
Hingis was referring to Melanie Molitor, her mother and coach. Hingis’ match against Dokic was the first time she had played without her mother in attendance.
Hingis added: “I was probably too nervous – not much believing what I could do. I wanted to do it. It didn’t work out this time.”
“It’s been a great life so far. I really like it. But a break would really suit me right now.”
