After 3 consecutive straight-set losses to Elena Dementieva, Martina Hingis pulled off an incredible 6-3, 6-2 victory over the 5th seeded Russian in the 3rd round of the German Open.
Utilizing the wide variety of shots that saw her ascend to the top of the rankings as a 16-year-old, Hingis, now 25, continued on her comeback trail by avenging her loss to Dementieva in Tokyo earlier this year. After dropping her opening service game, Hingis showed that she was trying a different approach this time by hitting a drop shot winner off her first return of serve. She continued to fluster her opponent by a mix of drop shots, volleys, lobs and solid baseline play to race to a 4-1 lead. Both players produced some high quality tennis. Dementieva hit her share of winners to tighten the set 4-3. She then lost her concentration, which Hingis immediately took advantage of by breaking serve and sealing the first set 6-3.
The 2nd set was a similar story. Hingis continued to play aggressively, running to the net on several occasions to finish a point. She led 3-1, and after Dementieva held serve for 3-2, Hingis stepped it up on the crucial moments to run away with the victory after 1 hour and 12 minutes. Clearly happy with the result, Hingis hit balls to the German crowd after the match and mentioned during her press conference, “This is becoming the week of revenge. Last time, I didn’t have a chance. This is one of best matches I have played.”
The match statistics showed it all. Hingis controlled most of the match with aggressive play, which is uncharacteristic of her. She hit more winners (22 to 16) and more unforced errors (24 to 23), while converting 5 of 9 breakpoint chances. Dementieva, on the other hand, failed to take advantage of her many opportunities, which contributed to what appeared like a lopsided scoreline. The match was actually much closer.
This marks the 3rd time Martina Hingis defeated a top 10 player this season and the second time she avenged a previous loss in Berlin. She next plays the winner between top-seed Amelie Mauresmo, to whom she lost in Doha last March, and Russian Anna Chakvetadze.
