Sport | Tennis
Scott: Hingis deserved a better sendoff
Larry Scott regretted that a legend such as Martina Hingis did not step down from the sport on a better note.
- By Alaric Gomes, Senior Reporter
- Published: 00:36 March 5, 2008
- Image Credit: Gulf News Archive
- Larry Scott feels players are role model and it is crucial to send out the right message to fans and players.
Dubai: Larry Scott regretted that a legend such as Martina Hingis did not step down from the sport on a better note.
"She [Martina Hingis] is such a legend and she deserved to end her stellar career on a high note," Scott remarked.
However, the WTA boss felt no one could possibly take anything away from the 'Swiss Miss' and that her records and achievements are there as a testimony to her being one of the best players ever in the modern annals of the game.
"Most fans will still remember her for all that she achieved during her brilliant career," Scott added.
Strong statement
Scott, however, used Hingis's case to make a strong statement. "We take the doping system very seriously and our programme is accredited by WADA," he said.
He added that players have a role to play in furthering the interests of the sport, and hence, should always be vigilant of their lives both on and off the playing field. "Our players are role models and it is very important for us to send the right signal. I completely support the programme because it is most important for our kids to know that tennis is a clean sport," Scott stated.
Scott said he was convinced the game was under no threat from ills like gambling and match-fixing.
"I am convinced we do not have a significant problem with any of these aspects that have surfaced in the sport in the recent past," sid Scott.
Some of the recent ills are Russia's Nicolay Davydenko's association with match-fixing and former world No 1 Hingis's retirement after testing positive for cocaine at Wimbledon.
"We're taking these threats seriously and working with the ITF, the Grand Slams and the ATP Men's Tour," he added.
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