|
| Hingis to face Henin in first round at Sydney |
|
|
| 07/01/06 |
|
Hingis returned to professional tennis in a blaze of publicity last week, four years after she announced retirement because of a series of injuries.
The former world number one made an encouraging start to her comeback, reaching the semi-finals of the Australian women's hardcourt championships on the Gold Coast, but faces a stiff examination in Sydney.
"What a match it promises to be," tournament director Craig Watson said in a statement.
"We are excited about it and there is no doubt it will be the most highly anticipated early clash and tennis fans are sure to fill the centre court for this mouth-watering encounter."
Henin-Hardenne is also a former world number one on the comeback trail from injury. But while Hingis has been out of the game for four years, the Belgian made her return last season, winning the French Open.
The pair were drawn together after Henin-Hardenne was seeded fifth in Sydney and Hingis was given a wildcard. The top four seeds, Kim Clijsters, Amelie Mauresmo, Patty Schnyder and Nadia Petrova, all received first-round byes.
"That is one amazing match for a first round. Being a seed Justine's name was already on the draw-board and when Martina's name was pulled out from the cup we were all stunned," Watson said.
"But that's sport. That's the way it goes."
In the men's draw, defending champion Lleyton Hewitt drew a qualifier while second seed Nikolay Davydenko got Czech Tomas Berdych.
 |
 Show me all Sports News |
| Copyright (c) Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved. |
|
 |
|
 |
|
