Hingis may be fit to return at US Open

Six weeks after her career was virtually written off in some quarters as the latest case of physical burn-out, Martina Hingis is moving slowly but purposefully towards a possible comeback at the United States Open at the end of August.

The 21-year-old former Wimbledon champion's name is still on the entry list for the Acura Classic in San Diego, California, on 29 July, although Hingis is not prepared to commit herself at this stage of her recovery from surgery to her left foot.

"I haven't set a date for a comeback," Hingis said yesterday. "There's no time frame. I saw my doctor, and all is going well, but I don't want to rush anything and jeopardise the rest of the season.

"I must be careful in building up my muscles again. In Florida, I trained on the tennis courts. I also ride my bike, and run."

Hingis has been on vacation with her boyfriend, Sergio Garcia, the young Spanish golfer, and watched him compete at the US Open recently.

"I am learning Spanish," she said, "although we speak always English with one another." She has also tried her hand at golf. "It's only a hobby, but in Sergio's father I have the best coach there is."

The Swiss former world No 1 has also been keeping an eye on events at Wimbledon: "I have a passion for the game, so I like watching it on television. And I want also to see how the girls are doing, to be ready when I come back."

Having lost to Daniela Hantuchova, of Slovakia, in the final of the Indian Wells tournament in March, Hingis has been impressed with the 19-year-old's progress: "Of the young players, I would say Hantuchova is probably the one."

Hingis considers the 45-year-old Martina Navratilova's continued participation in the sport, in the singles and doubles at Eastbourne and in the doubles at Wimbledon, to be a source of wonder.

"It's great for her to be in such a great shape," Hingis said. "It's great for her. I don't think I will see myself still playing at that age."