OFF: How Will You Remember Martina Hingis?
Posted by Aaress Lawless on Jan 4, 2008 | Print
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By now, I’m sure most of you have heard that the ITF has found Martina Hingis guilty of having cocaine in her body at the 2007 Wimbledon Championships. The cold, hard facts of the case cited in the ITF’s announcement appear fairly airtight, but Hingis will have the option of contesting the conviction.
Six months ago, Hingis had it all - a wealthy fiance’, a stellar career, endorsements, and most importantly, an untarnished legacy. Now, the former world number one is alone, the bearer of zero marketing power, an asterisk on her career, and three weeks to decide whether to lodge a formal appeal to the ruling.
The idea for today’s questions came from longtime OTB reader Kurt, who brought up the subject of Hingis’ entrance into the International Tennis Hall of Fame.
I confess, it will be hard to remember Hingis without thinking about the events that have transpired over the last eight weeks. It’s like reading a novel; you remember the characters, the story, and most importantly the ending.
However, there is no denying that Hingis was one of the greatest tennis players of my generation, and the first woman since Steffi Graf to even come close to the true measure of tennis perfection. For these achievements, she does deserve to be awarded induction into the Tennis Hall of Fame.
Unless evidence comes to light that proves otherwise, there is no reason why the mistakes and stupidity of the present should negate the records and trophies accomplished a decade ago.
Everyone (especially you lurkers), feel free to discuss today’s topic in the comments below! Have a great weekend!
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AY | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Poor Hingis - I totally agree with the article, her achievements have been very impressive and it is extremely tragic that such a brilliant career had to end in such a tragic fashion.
pov | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
My feeling is “big deal!” So she had some cocaine in her system. Maybe she was partying with the “jet-set” and got a little over-zealous. At the same time I realize that many people may feel differently.
I feel that her achievements speak for themselves. Also for those who have the mistaken notion that it was taken for performance:
“The few studies that exist suggest that little to no performance gains are incurred from cocaine and its amphetamine-like properties. Cocaine is notable for distorting the user’s perception of reality; for example, an athlete may perceive increased performance and decreased fatigue in the face of actual decreased performance in both strength and endurance activities. An increase in heat production combined with a decrease in heat loss associated with cocaine abuse impairs the body’s ability to regulate its temperature during physical activity.”
Article - http://espn.go.com/special/s/drugsandsports/coca.html
Diane | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
I will remember Martina as the player who drew me back into watching tennis after I had burned out as a fan.
I will remember her as a somewhat nasty, bigoted brat who later grew into a delightful woman.
I will remember her as the smartest player I ever saw.
I will remember her as ******* over by the ITF.
I will remember her as a tennis great whose career was cut short by injury and other misfortune.
Nick | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Hmm I’ll remember her as Martina Hingis, a tennis player…her cocaine use has nothing to do with her wins…
Even if she did use it, it was reasonly so it merits nothing against her records prior.
I still want Hingis to come back…she was and still is one of the best personalities in tennis.
We need drama and cat fights…
Richard | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
I will always remember her 99 French meltdown, whether she was a druggie or not. That was a defining moment for women’s tennis, as Steffi Graf solidified her status as the #2 female great.
Aaress | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Richard, now you’ve made me curious! If Graf is No. 2, what player would you consider as No. 1?
Richard | Jan 4, 2008 | Reply
Aaress, the #1 women of all time would be the other Martina!
Navratilova! Before Graf won the 99 French, you could say it was a tossup between her and Chrissie for the #2 position. of course this is my opinion, as others might disagree with my Top 3.
I never thought about where I’d put Hingis, but she probably belongs in a Top 15 of all time list.
Alice | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
Naturally Hingis has to take responsibility for her actions. I think this whole episode has been greeted by a sigh of dissapointment, rather than a desire for vengeance against Hingis. I feel there is sadness that a once great player has apparently for whatever reason, fell foul of temptation.
Yes Hingis has to accept the consequences of her actions. However consideration should be given to a culture of fame success and glamor that fosters and facilitates a need for drugs in the first place. A need for a means of coping with the emotional isolation and pressures that come with being both a professional sportsperson and public celebrity.
Before casting any stones, we have to examine the sports celebrity and media culture that exists. Just who are the pimps here? The suits making money selling heroism, only to corrupt and destroy it’s intrinsic beauty.
If not quite endemic, recreational drugs and performance enhancing drugs are certainly widespread in sport. Much as I have a very strong personal dislike of drugs having experienced what they do to other people, a touch of compassion and joined-up thinking is needed. You see, the real causes and culprits have to be rooted out. Making high profile scapegoats wont cure the sickness, redeem sport, recover and restore public faith in the integrity of sport. This isnt about Hingis or other athletes who have been in similar predicament. It’s much deeper.
Strength character alone isnt always enough to resist, when there is a culture of corruption in the land.
This blemish shouldnt detract from her achievements. This is a dark time for her. But I trust at some point she will come out from the chrysalis a teacher a giver an inspirer. Moving on with her life.
battty | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
I will remember her as a great tennis
player;however it still makes me wonder if she took steroids also because there was a peiord when she was trying to put on muscle to keep up with the taller power players!
I noted that Venus Williams and other players feel that we should give hingis the benefit of the doubt on the issue of taking drugs which makes since to me
Marija | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
Whether or not Martina took drugs, I will remember her as a grand slam champion and one of the best players ever. And, as I can see, many people are on her side: they are focusing on her career accomplishments or they don’t believe she’s guilty.
Aaress | Jan 5, 2008 | Reply
Thanks Richard for telling me your list! As for me, I would have put Graf before Navratilova, followed by Chris Evert. Like you, I (still) believe Hingis factors into the list, but I probably would not put her in the top ten all-time.