Martina Hingis doesn’t need much introduction on or off the court. The former number one singles and doubles tennis player in the world is a force to be reckoned with. Aged just 12, she became the youngest-ever Grand Slam junior champion in 1993 and her career showed no signs of slowing down after that…
Martina held the number one spot in the sport for 209 consecutive weeks from the age of just 16, and her CV boasts a total of 43 WTA singles titles and 64 WTA doubles titles. Some of Martina’s most notable achievements include being the youngest ever WTA world no.1 at age 16 in 1997, as well in the same year being the youngest player in the Open Era to win the Ladies singles title at Wimbledon.
As well as an ambassador to the WTA Tour, educating and coaching budding young tennis enthusiasts, Martina is also a keen horse jumping competitor and Mum to her daughter Lia.
Find out what it’s like to be one of the most well-known female tennis players in the world and follow Martina about her day...
How do you start your day?
I am not really a morning person but that has had to change pretty quickly with the birth of my daughter Lia! Lia is 8 months old, so our routine can change daily, especially if we are travelling… In terms of self-care I like to stay active and when I can, I strap Lia into her CUDL by Nuna harness and we go hiking, and have even been to China together so she is already seeing a lot of the world!
Are you a breakfast or no breakfast person? If so, what do you typically eat?
Whether at home in Zurich or travelling - for breakfast I like to have either fresh fruit, croissant (as buttery as I can get) and never without coffee! A good cappuccino or latte…
What do you wear to work?
What I wear totally depends on what I will be doing! If I am coaching on Tour or helping out at my Mum’s tennis academy, I wear my Tonic tennis clothing and play with my Yonex rackets. However, if I am doing an appearance for a sponsor, the WTA or any other organisation I work with, such as Right to Play, I like to be smart and I’ll wear a dress.
What’s your favourite part of your work environment?
The variety and the people I meet… I recently just got back from the WTA Finals [WTA season-ending finale] in Shenzhen China, where as a longstanding ambassador for the WTA, I participated in kids clinics, coaching conventions and award ceremonies.
What's the best bit about your job?
I feel very lucky in the fact that with everything I do, I get to continue to work and give back to the sport I love and have played since I was old enough to walk! I enjoy spending time with juniors on court to share my experiences with them. Tennis has been the vehicle by which I learned about the world and I like to help young professionals today by mentoring them through the good and the challenging moments.
How do you prepare for tournaments such as the Champions Tennis?
I try and be as prepared as possible, usually getting in a few more practice sessions a couple of days before the event, to make sure I am seeing the ball as well as I can for my match.
How did you get to where you are now in your career?
A lot of hard work, dedication, sacrifice and winning 25 Grand Slam titles! I knew I always wanted to stay in tennis even after I retired… and now as a Mum everything really revolves around Lia and balancing my home and work commitments. Throughout my career I have always helped my Mum at her academy and as the courts are not far from my house this has just naturally continued… and now she has me there three times a week!
What are your top tips for improving your game on and off the court?
Lots of hard work, commitment to improving your game and to have fun! Practice makes permanent so really take care in creating good habits both on and off the court as this will have a big effect on your game.
Do you snack throughout the day? If so, what on?
I try not to snack too much… but if I do I try and grab some fruit.
What’s the weirdest part of your working day?
I wouldn’t say there is anything weird about my working day – I guess the most unique part of my job – whether coaching or for an ambassadorial role is that I could be in a different place each time. I actually really love this part of my job… as it gives me the opportunity to visit new places and meet people from around the world.
What’s your laptop background? Why?
I think right now, it’s a family picture of myself, my Husband Harry and Lia.
What’s your favourite lunch?
I love Japanese cuisine – but if I had to choose it would be some sort of noodle soup…
Describe your commute to us, if you have one?
This is a little tricky as I don’t just have one commute! I like listening to music and recently have gotten really into podcasts…
How do you wind down in the evening?
As I travel so much, when I am home, I like to spend time with my family and friends. In the evenings, Harry will usually cook dinner, we will put Lia to bed and then watch a good movie and just relax.
What do you watch on TV?
To be honest I don’t watch a lot of TV. Living In Switzerland [Zurich] and being a professional sports woman from such a young age – I am always active – whether this is competing in Horse Jumping competitions [Martina recently took part in a competition in Spain last month], going on a hike with Harry and Lia nearby or playing some sort of sport!
Do you have any night time cleansing or beauty regimes?
No not really – again being a Mum usually takes over…
Top 5 tips
What do you do to calm yourself when you feel stressed?
I spend time outdoors… and if I have time I like to go for a hike.
What's your go-to fashion item?
Always a pair of Maui Jim sunglasses - whether in car or on vacation you have to protect your eyes – so this is the fashion Item I never go without!
What’s the best piece of work advice anyone has ever given you?
If you work hard, are focused, set goals and are willing to sacrifice you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Your best advice for switching off from work?
Spend time in the great outdoors!
Martina Hingis will be playing at myWorld Champions Tennis at the Royal Albert Hall on the 29th and 30th of November. Tickets are still available on www.championstennis.co.uk.
