Sania and I can be competitive as a pair: Hingis

Former world number one Martina Hingis says the future of her partnership with Sania Mirza would depend on the results they get on the WTA circuit.

Sania split with Chinese Taipei's Hsieh after playing only four tournaments together this season.

Hingis said since the two of them play different styles of game, it should suit them.

"Sania and I can be competitive as a pair because our style of tennis is completely different. Sania is good from the forehand side and I am known to have a really good backhand. I am looking forward to playing with Sania for next couple of months but decision to continue with her will depend upon the kind of results we get as a pair," Hingis said.

Hingis had recently won the Australian Open mixed doubles title with India's doubles veteran Leander Paes.

‘Me, Paes complement each other very well’ 

Talking about Paes, Hingis said, "Two of us complement each other very well and that is why we were able to win the Grand Slam together."

"I played with Leander for couple of seasons in the US which gave me a lot of comfort. The best quality of Leander is that he makes the woman partner safe and protected. He covers for the void created when I am not serving well. Women's nature is as such she always wants to be felt protected, either in a relationship or while playing a match."

Talking about Champion Tennis League, Hingis said, "It is a great way to promote tennis in India. The awesome part of CTL is helping young players. I was very happy to play here."

Hingis also that CTL helped her establish great bond and rapport with Indian players.

"Of course, I had a great bonding with Indian players. We trained together. Like every time we played a match at the end of the week we are almost go like 'Oh miss you'," she said.

Hingis said playing in CTL feels "almost like playing in Davis Cup where people also are charged up to support their players."

‘Nice to know people wishing me to play singles’ 

Talking about her recent meeting with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Hingis said it centred around sport.

"He is a very busy man. We considered ourselves to be lucky that the Prime Minister had time for us. The Prime Minister asked us - me and Leander - to keep up good work. Leander is a great ambassador for India. He wished all the best for the future," she said.

Hingis ruled out plying singles again.

"It is nice to know people wishing me to play singles. I think it is too demanding for my body to play at that level," she said.

Hingis she is in India not only for tennis but also for spending some good time in the country by visiting different cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru.