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One day later, Hingis has no regrets

French Open finalist defends her actions on the court

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Posted: Sunday June 06, 1999 03:14 PM

Hingis: "I totally had a bit of a breakdown, but only after the match." AP

PARIS (AP) -- After reflecting, but not sleeping, since her traumatic defeat to Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis says she has no qualms about her tantrums during the French Open final.

"I don't regret anything that I did. That's me, that's how I am on court," Hingis said after losing Sunday's women's doubles final.

"Probably not everyone loves it, but that's the protection I have. It is protection for myself against everybody," the Swiss star said.

Hingis repeatedly battled with the umpire and linesmen during Saturday's final. She received a warning and was penalized a point.

The 18-year-old was repeatedly jeered by the crowd, which gradually turned in Graf's favor as the match went on.

"How can you sleep if you lose a match like that?" she asked. "Not much hope."

Against the Williams sisters, there were no tantrums, no contested calls -- and a supportive crowd.

And after her second defeat of the weekend Hingis was all smiles and said she is doing her best to forget her defeat to Graf.

"I don't want to think about it anymore. It's behind me. It was yesterday and there is future tomorrow," Hingis said after losing 6-3, 6-7 (2-7) 8-6, with Russia's Anna Kournikova.

But Hingis is still clearly upset at the French crowd's passionate backing for Graf.

"It's not the first time the crowd was against me. I had it a few times at this tournament already," Hingis said. "I totally had a bit of a breakdown, but only after the match."

After her defeat, Hingis shook hands with Graf and immediately walked off the court before returning, in tears, in the arms of her mother, Melanie Molitor.

Indeed, if it hadn't been for her mother, Hingis said she would have probably stayed in the locker room.

"Would you go out there if everyone boos you out, if nobody wants you to win?"

Hingis still feels unappreciated by Roland Garros spectators.

"After losing the second set, I was mentally broke. I was not just fighting against her but the whole crowd, the referee the line calls," she said. "It wasn't the way I felt it should be."

"If the people don't see how my game is, I don't deserve this tournament."

Not that there is any lack of desire to come back.

"I'll show everybody that I can win this tournament," she said.

 

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