Hingis knocked out of German Open

The Swiss tennis ace, Martina Hingis, has been knocked out of the German Open in Berlin by the former Wimbledon Champion, Conchita Martinez 7-5, 6-4. Hingis' semifinal defeat means rival Lindsay Davenport will recapture the world number one ranking.

During the game, Hingis made uncharacteristic errors, allowing Martinez to open up a 3-0 lead in the first set. Hingis recovered enough to take the set to 12 games.

In the second set, Hingis allowed Martinez a 4-2 lead before the Spaniard took the set 6-4, sealing her victory after eight straight losses to Hingis. “This was my best match this year,” said Martinez. “To play so well and beat the number one is really great.”

Hingis, the defending champion, needed to reach the final to retain enough points to stay ahead of the American, Lindsay Davenport in the world rankings. She had regained the title from Davenport, who held it for five weeks, by winning last week’s Betty Barclay Open.

On Friday, Hingis had struggled to knock out France’s Sandrine Testud, in their quarter final match.

swissinfo with agencies