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Martina Hingis Backs Serena Williams In Her Bid To Win Wimbledon

By Amy Feinstein
Published on: 14:53 PST, Jun 29, 2015

Current doubles star Martina Hingis believes Serena Williams is the one to watch in this year’s Grand Slam race for women’s tennis supremacy. Hingis has gone public with the claim that Williams will score a calendar Grand Slam, including the Wimbledon, the Australian, French, and U.S. Open in the same season.

Martina Hingis, a tennis star from Switzerland, saw her last chance at a clean sweep of the season go by in 1997 when she lost the French Open final. Williams has won all of the tournaments, but never in the same season. Hingis believes this is Williams’ year.

“She’s probably even more hungry because the last couple of times, it was not the way she wanted it. If anyone can do it, then it’s definitely Serena,” the 34-year-old said.

11 Sep 1999: Matina Hingis of Switzerland and Serena Williams exchange glances during the trophy presentation after the singles final during the semifinals of the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Williams defeated Hingis 6-3, 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/ALLSPORT
11 Sep 1999: Matina Hingis of Switzerland and Serena Williams exchange glances during the trophy presentation after the singles final during the semifinals of the US Open at the USTA National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, New York. Williams defeated Hingis 6-3, 7-3. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Squire/ALLSPORT

Martina Hingis went into early retirement, but returned to climb back to the top of the doubles field. Though her chance of singles domination was gone, she still wanted to give it a shot.

“I still had the skills; maybe I didn’t completely have their power because they are taller, bigger and stronger, but that was always the case. But in doubles especially, the placement, the skills and strategy are more important than power,” she said.

Though her doubles game is still on top (she is part of the No. 1 doubles seed at this year’s Wimbledon) she is still sought after for her opinions and advice for younger players. Perhaps this is why she has been named International Tennis Hall of Fame Global Ambassador along with men’s tennis player Todd Martin.

“Martina is a tremendous ambassador for our sport in so many ways,” said International Tennis Hall of Fame CEO Todd Martin. “She has achieved success at the highest level and has been part of great moments in the sport’s history. She is highly engaged with tennis fans worldwide. Through our museum and programs, the Hall of Fame works every day to preserve and promote our sport’s inspiring history.”

Martina Hingis is very excited about taking on this new role. She will take part in promotional activities at tennis tournaments around the world in her first year as ambassador. She will be making an appearance at the tennis hall of fame in Newport, Rhode Island in July, and also take a trip to China and Singapore.

Do you think Martina Hingis has made a serious mark on women’s tennis?

[ Image via Clive Brunskill/Jamie Squire/Getty Images]

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