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Martina Hingis

The Seven Year Itch



Ahead 6-4, 2-0 in the [1999] French Open final against [Steffi] Graf… Hingis protested a poor line call, failed to get an overrule and simply couldn't let the matter go. Hingis threw an epic tantrum…. [she] walkedaround the net to Graf's side and pointed out the spot where her disputed shot had fallen. The French fans pounced; boos and hisses filled the air. Hingis plopped into her chair and refused to play. She was docked a point. She resumed play, held on to her lead and then, serving for the match at 5-4, blew the game. Now Graf pounced. Cheered on by the crowd, she won the second set and took a commanding lead in the third, and still Hingis couldn't stop sulking. Facing two match points, she insulted Graf and the game by serving underhand. The crowd howled, and Graf closed out the match. Hingis stormed off the court and refused to return for the awards ceremony until Molitor dragged her back, her face contorted and teary. When a WTA official tried to guide her toward the podium, Hingis smacked her on the arm.



Source: S. L. Price, Sports Illustrated, (June 3, 2002): 70.

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Famous Sports StarsTennisMartina Hingis Biography - Born To Play, Turns Professional, Chronology, Dominates Women's Tennis, Power Overcomes Finesse - CONTACT INFORMATION