Hingis sails into third roundComing off a postponed 2nd round match due to rain delays in Paris, Martina Hingis appeared to be in a hurry when she stepped out on court this Friday. Hingis quickly built a 3-0 lead against Czech player Zuzana Ondraskova, surrendering only 1 point in the process. Ondraskova managed to hold her serve for 3-1, but Hingis was merciless, hitting just 1 unforced error to seal the set 6-1 in 18 minutes.

The 2nd set began in similar fashion. Hingis superbly raced to a 4-0 lead, only to find Ondraskova hitting a number of good shots and raising her level of play. A few unforced errors also crept into Hingis’game, eventually allowing her opponent to bring the score to 4-3. But the former world #1 regrouped just in time, saved a break point and broke the Ondraskova serve to win the match 6-1, 6-3.

In just her 2nd match in 5 years in Roland Garros, Martina Hingis seemed comfortable with the red clay and the French crowd. She put in 80% of her first serves and hit a total 20 winners to 12 unforced errors. Her display in the first set was particularly impressive when she showed a mix of power, finesse and delicate touch, hitting winners and drop shots to fluster her opponent. The second set was much closer, but Hingis was able to pull through nicely.

Hingis faces 19-year-old Ivana Lisjak of Croatia in the Round 3. The newcomer surprised Chinese Jie Zheng, who was highly favored to win the match, by scoring a 6-4, 6-4 victory. The 3rd round match will get underway tomorrow. She is also playing her first mixed doubles match with partner Mahesh Bhupathi later today.

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