Martina Hingis Game Quotations

For sure since 4-1 I started to play better. All these chances I had and games I could have won, she won anyway. You've got to have the stamina.

It wasn't an easy match. But on the other hand, I made the important points, I won those games which I needed to win.

I didn't miss much of the key points and I put her under pressure. I couldn't ask for more, because Maria is number four in the world. I knew I had to come up with a great game and I did.

It was definitely a good performance today. I played smart and concentrated throughout the whole match. It was key in the first games to hold serve.

The first three games it was a little chilly out, but after that it got a little better.

The game overall has gotten so much better, stronger, more physical parts to the game.

I was never happy that my injuries cut my career short and ultimately forced my decision to step away from tennis. I have enjoyed my time away from the court, a period that has allowed me to experience a different side of life. However, I miss the game and the challenge of competing at the highest level of tennis, and I want to gauge whether I can stay healthy and compete against today's top players.

A lot of these young girls, they dont even know what the game is about. They have never seen a drop shot, a slice and all the mixture and variety I have.

Playing (Serena) it always felt like playing a steamroller. No subtlety, no finesse, just raw, loud power. To respect this style of play was always a bit tough for me, but of course I had to, because the rules of tennis dont state that having a beautiful game is required to become No. 1.

I felt I had the game under control and whenever I needed it I was able to step it up. I wasn't thinking that I was going to lose the set because I felt she always had ups and downs. So did I, but every time I needed it I knew I could pressure her.

Maria's strengths are her serve and that she is mentally tough. I have nothing to lose but to just go out and play my own game against her. I've wanted to play her since going into retirement.

Definitely anticipation has always been a very big part of my game -- to know and read my opponent -- but it's not easy. Even if I play a Grand Slam, I play girls I don't know, so I have to adapt very quickly.

I think winning the first game showed her that I am here and I am prepared, and that she has to earn her points. It was really important to have won that first game.

I knew I had to come up with a great game and I did.

At my first press conference announcing that I was playing the game again they asked me who do you want to play that you haven't played before, and I'm like 'Of course, Maria' because she's a player that's gotten to the top winning Wimbledon at 17. I was just interested. I love playing her and hopefully we'll have many more matches.

If I want to play the tennis I played three years ago, I would not survive. I know that. You have to grow with the game and you have to get better physically and with your tennis. I've been trying to work on my whole game, baseline and serve. You have to have a serve to be able to survive today.