Sport | Tennis
Hingis lashes out at late night schedule
Former world No 1 Martina Hingis lashed out against the late night schedule at the Dubai Duty Free Women's Open. And her stand was vindicated as she went lost to fifth-seeded Jelena Kostanic.
- By Alaric Gomes, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:36 May 3, 2009
- Image Credit: Megan Hirons/Gulf News
- Martina Hingis returns during her quarterfinal of the Dubai Tennis Championships.
Dubai: Former world No 1 Martina Hingis lashed out against the late night schedule at the Dubai Duty Free Women's Open.
And her stand was vindicated yesterday as she went down in straight sets 7-6 (3), 6-2 in under one and a half hours to fifth-seeded Jelena Kostanic of Serbia.
After battling past Spaniard Anabel Medina Garrigues in three sets for more than two hours and 40 minutes, the Swiss made no attempt to hide her disappointment at such a late night out on centre court.
Looking all flushed in the face, more so with a gentle breeze sweeping across the court, Hingis had resented the thought of playing a tough opponent like Jelena Jankovic in yesterday's quarterfinals.
Hingis's second round match against her Spanish opponent ended only after 1.30am. "We would normally need at least 12 hours to recover. But after this match, I think I can come straight and play Jelena without warming up," Hingis said.
"They have to do something about the scheduling of the matches. They could have shifted one of the singles on the side court and kept only four on centre court. Or maybe they should consider starting the matches earlier in the afternoon," Hingis offered.
"It was difficult conditions out there. It was impossible, but maybe they will learn from this," she added.
"I think they need to seriously take a look at the structure of the tournament and see whether it is the right thing to put maybe six matches on one court [centre court] or just get on with the schedule. But the thing is I like this tournament so much," Hingis added.
Tournament Director Salah Tahlak said: "The Dubai Tennis Championships is a world-class tournament which is committed to providing the best possible experience.
"There are a number of factors considered when it comes to the scheduling of matches and every attempt is made to ensure that the schedule works in the best interests of the players, spectators and live television."
Sport Editor's choice
-
Rise of Afghanistan as a talented team
All eyes will be on today's match, top ICC official says
-
Top Hamdan runners start as favourites
Selvaratnam also sends out two other strong contenders today
-
Al Shabab rue missed chances with Dubai Club
Team had to split points with the visitors
