Former world No 1 Martina Hingis continued her comeback on Wednesday with a straight sets win in the second round of the Australian women's hardcourt event, warning she would use all her powers to reclaim her position.
The five time Grand Slam winner took an hour and 10 minutes to oust world No 35 Czech Klara Koukalova 6-3, 6-2 from the 239,000 dollar (176,350 US) Gold Coast tournament, proving she could be a serious contender at the Australian Open later this month.
The Swiss champion, who retired in 2002 due to injury, looked confident on centre court at Royal Pines and pumped her fist and cried out "Yes" when Koukalova hit a return into the net to end the match.
Hingis, 25, said that she was now competing against women who had idolised her as they were growing up but had never had a chance to play against her.
"One thing I realise is that some of the girls, they do have respect (for me) and when I see them I have to take advantage of it," she said.
Asked whether her fame and reputation was a factor in her successful comeback after years off the circuit, Hingis said: "Maybe that's one of the reasons and the other is they don't know me. They haven't seen me around for three years and they don't know what to expect."
Hingis' next opponent is a case in point, world No 50 Nuria Llagostera Vives, who caused a major upset Wednesday with a 6-3, 6-1 trouncing of No 2 seed Francesca Schiavone of Italy. Hingis has never before played against the 1.56 metre (five foot one) Spaniard.
"I know she's a little girl so she's not going to overpower me," Hingis said.
"I don't think she really has a big weapon but neither does she have a weakness."
She also admitted she was hungry for victory after retiring from the game in 2002 with ankle, foot and heel injuries.
RESULTS (x denotes seeding):
ROUND 2: Nuria Llagostera Vives (ESP) bt Francesca Schiavone (ITA x2) 6-3, 6-1; Patty Schnyder (SUI x1) bt Angela Haynes (USA) 6-3, 6-0; Martina Hingis (SUI) bt Klara Koukalova (CZE x7) 6-3, 6-2; Tatiana Golovin (FRA x5) bt Sybille Bammer (AUT) 6-1, 6-3.
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