Hingis retains top spot in tennis rankings
Switzerland's Martina Hingis has held on to her world number one status despite failing to win a tournament since February this year. The 20-year-old's latest bid to break her title drought ended in failure at the weekend in the semi-finals of the $565,000 WTA tournament in Los Angeles.
After losing to America’s Monica Seles for the second time in a week, the Swiss star announced she would not be defending her title at this week’s $1,200,000 International Women’s Tennis Championship in Toronto, Canada.
Hingis cited a stress injury to her left foot, which has dogged her for the past fortnight, as the reason for her withdrawal.
“Because of a foot injury that started giving me problems last week in San Diego, I am not going to be able to play in Canada this year”, she said.
“It is one of my favourite events of the year, and I have had such great success there, so I am very disappointed that I will not be able to go for the title again. I will miss the crowds in Toronto, and they have always been some of my biggest fans, and have helped me win many matches there.
“The doctors tell me it is a stress reaction, and with this type of injury, rest is the best treatment. Foot problems can be difficult so I want to be sure to do whatever I can to be physically fit, and will take the next two weeks off.”
Hingis, who is also suffering from back problems, hopes to be fully fit for the US Open at the end of the month.
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