Hingis launches return at Gold Coast

December 20, 2005

The Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts announced a major coup today with confirmation that five-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No.1 Martina Hingis will make her return to competitive tennis at the Gold Coast tournament.

She joins a stellar field for the event which will be held from 1 – 7 January 2006 at Royal Pines Resort.

"I'm very excited to be making my return to competitive tennis in Australia, I have always felt at home on the Australian courts," Hingis said.

Hingis, managed by Octagon, launches her comeback at
the Mondial Australian Women's Hardcourts.

"I’ve heard so many good things about the Gold Coast and the Resort of Royal Pines, I'm really looking forward to competing again and making my first trip to the Gold Coast.

"I know I'll get some tough matches and it will allow me to get used to the Australian summer coming from the European winter, both of which will be helpful with my preparation for the Australian Open," she said.

Aged only 16 years, six months, Hingis set the record for the youngest player to achieve the world No.1 ranking (on 30 March 1997) – bettering Monica Seles’ record by nine months – and held it for a total of 209 non-consecutive weeks between 1997 and 2001.

She won five Grand Slam crowns among her 40 singles titles, in addition to 36 doubles titles, and represented Switzerland in Fed Cup for three years and the Olympics in 1996. Hingis’ record in Australia is exemplary: she reached the final of the Australian Open for six successive years from 1997 – 2002 (winning three times 1997-1999) and won the Medibank Sydney International three times.

Hingis: six-time Australian Open finalist, three-time winner.

Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts Tournament Director Liz Smylie said she was thrilled that Hingis had decided to make her return at the Gold Coast event.

"Martina is a legend of women’s tennis and an unbelievable performer in Australia, making the final of the Australian Open six times," Smylie said.

"Given the amazing career that she’s already had, it’s hard to believe she’s still only 25 years old. Time’s definitely on her side and it’s an honour for the tournament to host her return to tennis."

Managing Director of Mondial Assistance, Peter Edwards, added, "As the tournament’s naming rights sponsor, we are delighted that Martina Hingis will be competing at the Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts."

"Her decision to play reinforces the reputation of high quality and professionalism delivered by this exciting tournament. We look forward to our association with such first class tennis," he said.

Tickets for the Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts are currently on sale and are available through Ticketmaster on 1300 136 122. Ticket prices range from $24 through to as little as $48 on the final day. Seven Day and four Night sessions will be held with ‘season’, ‘family’ and ‘group’ ticket options on offer. Discounts are available for aged pensioners, full-time students and U/16s.

The Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts 2006 enjoys the continued support of the Queensland Government through Queensland Events.

The Mondial Australian Women’s Hardcourts runs from Sunday 1 - Saturday 7 January 2006 at Royal Pines Resort.