Hingis admits to lack of fitness as Pennetta spoils her comeback bid

MARTINA HINGIS admitted her semi-final clash with Flavia Pennetta had been one match too many after she tumbled out of the Mondial Women’s Hardcourts tournament.

The 25-year-old was playing in her first event after over three years away from the WTA Tour, but victories over Maria Vento-Kabchi, Klara Koukalova and Nuria Llagostera Vives gave rise to the belief that the Swiss star could mark her return with a title at the end of the week.

However, competing in both the singles and doubles eventually proved too much for Hingis, with Italian Pennetta getting the better of her opponent in the last four to record a 2-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-2 success.