I taught Federer how to win titles: Martina Hingis

It’s difficult to keep Martina Hingis away from the court. Multiple surgeries, two retirement calls and a doping suspension haven’t persuaded the 35-year-old Swiss, winner of 20 grand slam titles including four in singles, to call it quits once and for all.

It’s been almost two decades since Hingis burst on to the scene as the youngest grand slam champion at 16, but she has lost none of her zest for the sport. India’s Sania Mirza and Leander Paes, her partners in doubles, will vouch for the fire in the Swiss star’s belly.

Hingis, currently in the country to compete in the Champions Tennis League, said she would remain on the Tour in different avatars. “I like the coaching part as I enjoy spending time with players. If someone seeks help from me, I am ready to do my bit for them. It doesn’t matter which gender the call comes from.

“I admire Amelie Mauresmo (who works with Andy Murray) for accepting the challenge of working in the men’s Tour. I know what made me strong in tennis. I have always had a good technique and I can help others develop it,” said Hingis, who represents Hyderabad Aces.

Roger Federer had once been a ball boy for Hingis and later they won the Hopman Cup as team-mates. Hingis said she takes pride in telling people that she taught Federer how to win tournaments. “The Hopman Cup was one of his first major successes. He was a late bloomer, but I knew he would achieve big. He is a living legend now. People wrote him off a couple of years ago, but look what has happened. He is no. 2 and pushing Novak Djokovic. I feel his Slam no. 18 is around the corner”

Hingis has already approached countrymen Federer and Stan Wawrinka to partner her at next year’s Olympics. “The decision will be made at the end of the year. I am looking forward to competing in the Olympics again,” said Hingis, who last took part in the 1996 Atlanta Games.

Hyderabad too hot for Chennai

Meanwhile, Chennai Warriors’ debut turned to be a big disappointment as they surrendered meekly 0-4 to Hyderabad Aces at the SDAT Stadium here on Wednesday. Hyderabad’s Ivo Karlovic, the tallest ATP player at 6 foot 11, proved too hot to handle as the big serving Croatian played an instrumental role in the visitors’ emphatic win.