Hingis may yet challenge positive test

Martina Hingis is expected to challenge her positive drug test – despite admitting she does not want to spend years “fighting against doping officials”.

Hingis, 27, retired this week after revealing she tested positive for cocaine at this year’s Wimbledon but the five-time Grand Slam champions denies taking the drug.

When making the announcement in her native Switzerland this week, Hingis suggested she did not want to carry on playing while the allegations were hanging over her, but WTA Tour chief executive Larry Scott still expects her to fight to clear her name.

“There is a bit of a contradiction I read in her statement,” said Scott on BBC Radio Five Live.

“Everything that she and her representatives have said to me is that they are going to fight it.

“There was some suggestion in her statement in Switzerland that she might not have the stomach to fight it and her retirement might signal that she wouldn’t fight it.

“I actually believes she will fight it and do everything possible to clear her name.”

Hingis believes there could have been an error in process that led to her positive test. Other theories include her drink being spiked.

“That’s why we have an independent tribunal made up of experts,” said Scott. “The good part of it is it affords the player due process so she and her lawyers can make their case and the panel will make a good decision.

“There are a lot of different theories – Martina (has said) her drink could have been spiked or something like that.

“The burden of proof is on the athlete to prove their innocence.”