Mounting a comeback...

Martina Hingis was a beast... an absolute beast.

True, she wasn't the three-grand-slams-in-a-year winning beast for a very long time, but for that year, at least, she was an absolute beast. Her shot-making was genius, her defense and creativity absolutely brilliant, and she was a blast to watch.

I remember first seeing Hingis play at Wimbledon against Steffi Graf in 1995, maybe, and she lost to Steffi, but I was in awe of the things she could do, the shots she was willing to attempt from any position on court, any angle, any spin. Such a joy to see on court as she had absolutely no fear, none what so ever. Gorgeous tennis.

And she's back - for now, at least - and that's about all that women's tennis could ask for. If she's able to return to even a glimpse of her old magnificant form, it'll be one of the biggest stories of the women's tennis year. Honestly, I'd be happy with seeing glimpses of that fearless, guile-filled teen of a decade ago. Cute kid, gorgeous game.

If, on the other hand, you'd rather find out what to expect from the men's game (other than continuing domination by Roger Federer), head over here.