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Tennis News: Martina Hingis Retires - Due to Cocaine Use?
Martina Hingis has retired at 27 under a cloud of suspiscion. (AI Wire)
Martina Hingis said Thursday she has been accused of testing positive for cocaine at Wimbledon, and then announced her retirement from professional tennis. Hingis, a five-time Grand Slam champion and former Wimbledon winner, denied using cocaine.
Hingis called the accusation "so horrendous, so monstrous" and claimed she was "frustated and angry" that it has caused such strife to her career. She was visibly upset at the press conference, often fighting back tears.
The 27-year-old Swiss player lost in the third round at Wimbledon to Laura Granville, 6-4, 6-2.
Hingis said the positive test, which could lead to a doping suspension of up to two years, led to her retirement because she doesn't want to spend years fighting the case.
Mario Widmer, Hingis' manager, said he did not know why she waited until now to make the announcement.
Hingis returned to the sport two years ago after a four-year absence because of injuries.
She won three straight Australian Open titles from 1997-99, and Wimbledon and the U.S. Open championships in 1997. She came within one match of winning the Grand Slam in 1997, losing only in the French Open final.