Martina Hingis

Martina Hingis won her first Grand Slam singles title at the Australian Open in 1997. At just 16 years of age, she became the youngest Grand Slam singles winner in the 20th century. She defeated Mary Pierce in the final with a score of 6-2, 6-2. This victory marked the beginning of Hingis' dominance in women's tennis and she went on to become the world No. 1 later that year. Her precocious talent and strategic playing style were already evident at this early stage of her career.

Martina Hingis ended the 1998 season ranked No. 1 in the world for the third consecutive year. During the year, Hingis won four singles titles, including the Australian Open, Italian Open, and two Tier I tournaments. Her consistency and high level of play across different surfaces made her the player to beat in the late 1990s. Her exceptional performance throughout the 1998 season ensured her place as the dominant force in women's tennis.

Martina Hingis announced her retirement from professional tennis on February 10, 2003, at the age of 22. Hingis cited persistent injuries and pain as the main reasons for her decision, as she struggled with chronic ankle issues. Despite her young age, Hingis had an illustrious career with five Grand Slam singles titles to her name and numerous doubles titles. Her decision to retire was a significant moment in tennis, as Hingis had been a leading figure in the sport for several years.

After two years of retirement, Martina Hingis announced her return to professional tennis in November 2005. She planned to return for the 2006 season and compete at the Australian Open held in January. Hingis stated that she missed the competition and excitement of the game, and felt ready to return after recovering from her injuries. Her comeback was highly anticipated given her previous success and the desire among fans to see her compete at the highest level once more.

In her first Grand Slam tournament since coming out of retirement, Martina Hingis reached the quarter-finals of the 2006 Australian Open. Her return to top-level tennis was marked by impressive performances, and she eventually lost to Kim Clijsters in a closely contested three-set match. Hingis' successful comeback was celebrated as she demonstrated that she could still compete with the top players in the world. Her performance in this tournament was considered a significant achievement after her return to the sport.

Martina Hingis received a two-year suspension from professional tennis after testing positive for cocaine during Wimbledon in 2007. Hingis denied using the drug but accepted the suspension, subsequently announcing her retirement from the sport for a second time. This development marked a dramatic turn in Hingis' career, overshadowing her achievements on court and leading to significant scrutiny from the media and tennis community. Hingis maintained her innocence throughout the process.

On July 29, 2013, Martina Hingis was officially inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. This honor recognized her exceptional contributions to the sport, including her five Grand Slam singles titles and her status as the youngest-ever No. 1 player at the age of 16. During her induction speech, Hingis reflected on her career achievements and expressed gratitude for the support she received over the years. Her induction highlighted her status as one of the sport's legends.

On October 31, 2015, Martina Hingis and her doubles partner Sania Mirza won the Miami Open doubles title. This win continued their successful partnership, adding another prestigious title to their record. Hingis, who had returned to tennis primarily in doubles after her retirement from singles, showcased her exceptional skills and strategic abilities on the court. The partnership between Hingis and Mirza was highly successful and they were ranked as the No. 1 doubles team in the world for much of 2015.

Martina Hingis won the French Open mixed doubles title with her partner Leander Paes in 2016. This victory marked Hingis' first mixed doubles win at Roland Garros, making it a significant milestone in her doubles career. Hingis and Paes defeated the pair of Sania Mirza and Ivan Dodig in the final. Hingis' exceptional volleying skills and court awareness contributed to their success, enhancing her reputation as one of the greatest doubles players.

Martina Hingis announced her retirement from professional tennis for the third time on October 29, 2017. This time, she retired while ranked as the No. 1 doubles player in the world. Her decision came at the end of the WTA Finals in Singapore, where she played her last professional match. Hingis ended her career with 25 major titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her enduring impact on the game was recognized through her numerous achievements and influence on young players.