Hingis makes victorious return
2006-05-30 12:32
Paris - Martina Hingis made a winning return to the French Open after a five-year absence, beating Lisa Raymond 6-2 6-2 in the first round on Tuesday.
The victory was the 32nd of Hingis' career at Roland Garros, but her first since being sidelined for three years by foot and ankle injuries. The five-time Grand Slam champion is seeded 12th and considered a title threat after winning the Rome clay tournament last week, her first championship since returning to the tour in January.
Also advancing was number 10 seed Anastasia Myskina, the 2004 champion, who beat Sania Mirza 6-4 6-1. Myskina lost in the opening round last year.
The third day of the tournament began in cool temperatures and fans bundled up in overcoats and scarves. Hingis looked relaxed and confident before her morning match, joking with Raymond as they were about to be introduced.
Jeered by French fans during her 1999 final against Steffi Graf, Hingis received a warm ovation when she walked on centre court and another when she closed out the victory in 54 minutes.
A fine doubles player, Raymond was competitive only when she came to the net, and she failed to get there often. Hingis moved well and hit sharply angled groundstrokes with her familiar pinpoint accuracy.
Roland Garros is the only major event Hingis has yet to win. She was runner-up in 1997 and 1999.
She'll next play Zuzana Ondraskova, who beat Julia Schruff 6-4 6-2.
- AP