Two years after her last appearance as a player at the $14.5-million Australian Open, Martina Hingis has embarked upon a new part-time job as a television commentator at the season’s first Grand Slam. The 23-year-old who lifted three straight titles from 1997 and followed up with another three finals appearances, is been doing color commentary for the Seven Network. It’s the start of a new career sideline for the Swiss, who was forced to retire a year ago due to chronic foot problems. While sorry that she couldn’t carry on, the former world No. 1 says she has no regrets and is looking ahead to new challenges. A comeback is out of the question, due to the fact that she’s gotten well out of her training habits. “It’s not possible to train for four to six hours,” she said. “It’s OK to live my life and to live a good life, but there will be no comeback.”
Henman Discovers British Crowd Support Down Under
Swedes with Viking hats and the green-and-gold shirted Aussie Fanatics are thick on the ground during the first week of the Australian Open. There are even a few orange-wigged Dutchmen about. But Tim Henman reckons he actually spotted some Brits supporting him through into the third round yesterday. Ever since England won the Rugby World Cup last November in Sydney, life has improved slightly for Australia’s traditional rivals in sport. After traditional annual thrashings in cricket, things are looking up for the Europeans, who can now claim some sporting status of their own. Henman is playing in Melbourne for the first time in two years after an absence a year ago to recover from shoulder surgery.
Affairs of the Heart Tug the Strings of Davenport
Soon-to-be-married Lleyton and Kim may be enjoying their highly public tennis courtship. But that’s not the way Lindsay Davenport likes to handle her personal life. With Hewitt and Clijsters, both former world No. 1 players, became engaged around Christmas, their love match emerged ever more into the public eye. By contrast, quiet Californian Davenport, who won the Australian Open in 2000, kept her April wedding to the stockbroker brother of her former coach low key, tying the knot in isolated Hawaii. In contrast to many tennis husbands, Jon Leach does not follow his wife around on tour, preferring to stick to his well-paid job in business. Though he has made a last-minute trip across the Pacific for the first week of the Open to watch his wife, he won’t be staying long. Keeping her private time simmering in the background is more the Davenport style. “It would be nice for him to be with me, but I think part of the attraction is that we’re both independent and highly motivated people,” said the fourth seed and three-time Grand Slam holder. “I don’t think he would be happy just holding my bags,” said the 27-year-old. “He’s a very intelligent man. He’s at work every morning at 5.30 a.m. and he really loves it — I could never ask him to give that up for me. At the same time, he doesn’t ask me to stop traveling.”
Fans Get Ready for American Fireworks
Fans would be wise to wear crash helmets at Melbourne Park on Friday when top seed Andy Roddick and Taylor Dent face off in the Australian Open third round. Roddick owns the fastest serve in the world — a scorching 239.7 kph effort hit at Queen’s Club last year to equal the record. Dent is just one place below him in the speed list, seven kph slower. Whatever way you look at it, fireworks are guaranteed in the night session. “I see a great year for Taylor ahead,” Roddick said, eyeing the match against his fellow American. “He’s got everything. I mean, he can break serve, he serves big. You know, I think it’s just a matter of it coming together for him. Hopefully he’ll delay it for a couple more days.” Dent too was predicting an explosive clash. Andy and I have met twice before. We’re one-all. You know, if we both play well, it’s going to be an exciting match. I just hope that, you know, I get on my game. “But I hope I don’t get broken 10 times or else it’s going to be a short match.”
