Melbourne - Two years after her last appearance as a player at the 14,5-million-dollar Australian Open, Martina Hingis has embarked upon a new part-time job as a television commentator at the season's first Grand Slam.
The 23-year-old who lifted three straight titles from 1997 and followed up with another three finals appearances, is been doing colour commentary for the Seven Network.
It's the start of a new career sideline for the Swiss, who was forced to retire a year ago due to chronic foot problems.
While sorry that she couldn't carry on, the former world No 1 says she has no regrets and is looking ahead to new challenges.
Continues Below ↓
'There will be no comeback' A comeback is out of the question, due to the fact that she's gotten well out of her training habits.
"It's not possible to train for four to six hours," she said. "It's OK to live my life and to live a good life, but there will be no comeback."
The five-time Grand Slam winner has been concentrating on showjumping back in Switzerland on her new horse Lytizia, competing in regional competitions and claiming the odd prize.
She's also gotten over the travel bug, so necessary for tennis players who are constantly in motion, but admits she often misses the grind.
"Sitting at home all day made me a little bit crazy," she said of her early days out of the sport. "I still keep a house in Florida and I was only there once last year.
"I want to keep travelling as much as I can. I've been away for the last 14 years and I could never just be doing nothing."
Hingis is being utilised for general commentary covering mainly women's matches, some featuring players who were her rivals just a few short years ago.
The stricken cousin of Mark Philippoussis is recovering after suffering a heart attack in the stands on Tuesday night at Melbourne Park.
The relative, identified only as David, is resting comfortable in hospital, according to Mark's father Nick.
Philippoussis said his father told him that David is out of danger following quick treatment when he fell ill.
"On behalf of both of us, and the rest of the family, we wish to thank the members of the public and tournament organisers for their immediate attention to David, and to the doctors and staff at the hospital currently looking after him," read a statement from the family.
- Sapa-DPA
|
StumbleUpon
Reddit
Digg
Delicious
Newsvine
Facebook
muti
Twitter
