Former world no 1 Hingis to face Venus Williams in Champions Tennis League
Hyderabad Aces star Martina Hingis (right) and Bangalore Raptors player Venus Williams greet each other on Sunday, eve of their match at the Champions Tennis League in Hyderabad. - S. Surender Reddy
Hyderabad: The Lal Bahadur Shastri Tennis Complex is getting its last-minute touches even as two former women world no.1s in Martina Hingis of the Hyderabad Aces and Venus Williams of the Bangalore Raptors prepare to face off in the first match of the Champions Tennis League’s Hyderabad leg here on Monday. Minutes after arriving in the city, Martina was off to the stadium to hit the courts.
Dressed in a blue kit, the winner of five Grand Slam singles titles was at her best, smashing the balls around the court as she took on Indian Davis Cup player, Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan. The Swiss Miss was brilliant at the net and helped the Indian lad with his shots during the session.
Speaking on her first practice session here, Hingis said, “It was good. Jeevan played very well. I had to take on some real hard hitting from him. I have never really seen so many people watch me practice. It was amazing.
“After this session I would say I am ready to take on Venus,” the 34-year-old added. The three-time Australian Open winner returned to the hotel only to be greeted by Venus who had just arrived at the lobby, and there were smiles all around.
“We are good friends for now. But tomorrow we are going to be rivals,” Hingis said with a smile. Earlier, Mark Philippoussis, the Aces’ marquee player, practised with Saketh Myneni who will play for Pune Marathas.
“I am really excited. It’s good to be home but sadly I won’t be playing for Hyderabad. But I have some wonderful players in my team,” the Andhra Pradesh born player said.
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