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Quick work Fast courts help Hingis roll through first two rounds
PARIS (Reuters) -- Speed has been of the essence for Martina Hingis at the French Open this week, with the Swiss top seed relishing the faster than usual conditions at Roland Garros. Hingis needed just 42 minutes to complete her second successive 6-1, 6-0 victory on Thursday, outclassing Colombian Catalina Castano on her favorite Court Suzanne Lenglen. That took her total time on court in two matches to 100 minutes, with 24 games won and just two lost. Hingis was looking suitably relaxed and rested after the match and she revealed that her preparations on an ultra-fast court back home in Switzerland had served her well. "Somehow it feels everything is quicker this year," Hingis said. "The balls are flying a lot more, even for those players who just have a serve and volley game. "I think it's maybe because of the weather. It's been so hot that it almost feels like playing on a hard court. "I'm glad I practiced on Rebound Ace last week back home." Hingis was understandably happy with her form as she chases the only Grand Slam singles title she is yet to win. "I think I played a very good game," she said. "I was very solid from beginning to end. "I definitely played the way I'm supposed to on clay. I wasn't out there too long and it wasn't too physical. "I took the ball early and it was a good match." The physical aspect of her game should be helped by the fact that she is concentrating solely on singles this time, after twice losing the final. "In the past I would always have a three-setter in the semifinals of the doubles before the singles final. "I was pretty tired doing both, particularly when the matches got tough and tight. "It was just too much. Not playing doubles gives me more time to rest and relax. "Like now I'm just going to hit for a good two hours tomorrow and that's it. "I don't have to worry about waiting around much longer." Hingis will play Rachel McQuillan of Australia in the last 32.
Copyright 2003 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. |
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