Today, 20 years ago, Martin Hingis became the youngest Wimbledon women’s singles champion of the Open Era when she claimed victory at just 16 years of age at SW19.
The year 1997 was a good year for Hingis. Well, that’s putting it lightly – it was a phenomenally successful year, and all the more impressive considering she was just a teenager when she claimed three singes Slam titles as well as reaching another final.
Talk about incredible.
Having won the Australian Open and reach the final at Roland Garros, Hingis was very much a contender heading into the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club championship, but at just 16 years of age, the odds were firmly stacked against her in a way. After all, no-one had claimed victory in that category so young since the professional era had begun, and hardly anyone wanted to make any rash prophecies.
That said, Hingis was always something of a trail-blazer, and she had long enjoyed a penchant for overcoming the odds.
She had already become the junior and double champions in 1994 and ’95 respectively – then records she had helped set.
Overcoming Jana Novotna 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in a fairly straightforward contest in’97, Hingis made light work of her opponent after dropping the first set – coming from behind to claim victory and in the process set another record.
Although Lottie Dod had won it aged 15 years and 282 days back in the late 1800s, Hingis’ victory was far more competitive, earning her way through the rounds against older pros and more athletic performers whereas Dod had only had to play a couple of matches.
Although it turned out to be a routine win, nothing could take away from the effort she had put in to make it to the stage. Although there wasn’t as much drama on display as some other heroic finals, it was just testament to the Swiss legend’s prowess that she was able to sweep Novotna aside after a slow start.
Her career was cut short due to injury, but her legacy will always shine through as a record-breaker, inspiration and serial winner, even at such a young age.
When most teenagers were out causing trouble or too busy simply getting through one of the toughest times in a developing adult’s life, Hingis was out training, practising and dedicating herself to becoming a genuine champion worthy of making history.
The rising stars of today would do well to heed her dogged determination, her will to win and her professionalism throughout – from when she was a teenager right up until the day she called time on her career in 2002.
