Hingis begins in style
Martina Hingis began the new tennis season in fine style on Sunday as she propelled Switzerland to victory over Thailand in the Hopman Cup mixed team tournament.
World number one Hingis sported a revolutionary new t-shirt as she swept aside the challenge of Tamarine Tanasugarn 6-1 6-1 in the women's singles rubber.
Roger Federer ensured the Swiss team's success in the best-of-three rubbers tie by defeating Paradorn Srichaphan 6-4 6-2 in the men's singles.
Hingis and Federer completed a 3-0 win in group A by beating Tanasugarn and Srichaphan 6-0 6-1 in the mixed doubles.
The design of Hingis' new attire has one sleeve longer than the other.
"It helps keep my hitting warm and the muscles loose all the time," said Hingis. "If I continue playing like this, I don't think I'll take it off all season!"
Hingis broke Tanasugarn twice in the opening set and three times in the second to complete victory in just 46 minutes. The only blemish occurred when she dropped her own serve at 5-0 in the second set.
However, Hingis, who is hoping to win her first grand slam title for two years at next month's Australian Open, was in control for much of the contest, often choosing, with great success, to serve and volley.
"That is a part of the game I have been working on," she said. "It is an important skill to develop if I am to improve my game. The match was a good workout, and I felt extremely happy with the way I was playing so early in the season."
It was Hingis' first competitive match since winning the Chase Championships in New York in November.
Hingis also confirmed on Sunday she will play the women's doubles with Monica Seles at the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on Janaury 15.
The announcement ends her doubles partnership with Anna Kournikova, following reports the pair fell out during an exhibition event in Chile earlier this month.
Hingis said: "I don't need a regular doubles partner any more. I want more independence and I would like to concentrate on my singles career, as this is going to be a very important season for me."
