Hingis crashes out in Moscow

Hingis was simply outgunned in Moscow Keystone

Swiss world number one Martina Hingis has suffered a shock defeat in the quarterfinals of the $2 million Kremlin Cup in Moscow. Hingis lost in straight sets to Russia's Elena Dementieva 2-6, 2-6.

The Swiss, who was the defending champion, lost the first five games to the 19-year-old Russian and struggled to find her rhythm in the match.

In a tough second set, the two players traded breaks of serve until the sixth game, when Dementieva saved four break points to remain 4-2 ahead.

The Russian extended her lead with another break in the seventh game and wrapped up victory with a forehand down the line.

“I played well, and had my chances in all the games, but she just played better on game points,” said Hingis. “You have to take a higher and higher rhythm to win a point and that’s the reason why I made so many mistakes.”

“She played well, hitting balls in all directions and her down-the-lines were perfect.”

The Swiss has now not won a tournament since winning her third title of the year in Dubai at the end of February.

Rosset also out

There was further grim news in Moscow as Marc Rosset’s five-match unbeaten run came to an end against Germany’s Nicolas Kiefer in the quarterfinals.

Rosset was let down by his serve, firing 11 double faults in his way to a 3-6, 6-7 defeat.

There was also disappointment for Switzerland’s Emmanuelle Gagliardi in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open, where she lost to South Africa’s seventh-seeded Joanette Kruger 6-0, 4-6, 1-6.

Meanwhile in the men’s tournament, Swiss number two Michel Kratochvil won his quarterfinal against the defending champion and number two seed, the Netherlands’ Sjeng Schalken, 6-3, 6-4.

swissinfo with agencies