Hingis Has a Ball Playing Polo

Dubai, UAE, February 19th, 2007: Swiss tennis star Martina Hingis looked just as comfortable in the saddle as she does on centre court when she mixed her love of horses with a game of polo in Dubai.

The world number six, who is competing in the Dubai Tennis Championships, enjoyed the opportunity to visit Dubai’s Desert Palm Polo Club where her horse riding skills were put to the test.

Hingis was shown how to ‘stick and ball’ and she was also treated to a relaxing horse-back tour within the picturesque grounds.

Hingis said: “I was a little nervous to actually hit the ball but the horses have great reaction and are very well trained.”

“It’s a nice change from the tennis court and I really enjoyed the experience.”

Hingis, who won the Dubai tournament in 2001, is delighted to be back in the city competing for the Dubai Duty Free Women’s Open title.

“Dubai is a great place, you can feel the energy of the city, and it is constantly on the move,” she said.

And the 26-year-old will be hoping to go further than her quarter final appearance at last year’s tournament.

“It’s a great field with Henin and Kuznetsova and as always I will aim to just really enjoy the moment,” she said.

“It will be a great event with great matches,” she added.

The Dubai Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and takes place under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

For further information: John Rynehart, Promoseven Sports Marketing,
(T) +9714 3210008; (M) +971 50 55 96795; john.rynehart@promoseven.com