After retiring from tennis in November and receiving a two-year ban for being found guilty of doping in January, former world number one Martina Hingis will play at the Liverpool International tennis tournament. The 27-year-old Swiss star is allowed to play Liverpool as the tournament is invitational and not part of the WTA Tour.
“I have heard a lot about Liverpool over the years and all the fine work they have done up there to develop tennis in a region that is mostly famous for football,” said Hingis.
“I am very much looking forward to playing the event and to visit all the things that have made Liverpool the European Capital of Culture.”
The tournament director Anders Borg will be glad to welcome the five-time Grand Slam champion: “It is a great boost for us to have Martina playing in Liverpool.
“She still has a lot to offer the world of tennis and we are just very pleased we can take advantage of that.”
The tournament takes place at Calderstones Park from 10-15 June. (source: BBC)