ZURICH, Nov 30: Switzerland’s former world number one Martina Hingis is set to make a shock return to the WTA circuit, it was announced on Tuesday. The 25-year-old five-times Grand Slam winner made an earlier unsuccessful attempt to return to the circuit — after initially retiring in October 2002 - in February this year.

Hingis had initially retired because of a serious left ankle injury but said in a statement released by her management company she is ready for another comeback.

“I was never happy that my injuries cut my career short and ultimately forced my decision to step away from tennis,” Hingis said.

“I have enjoyed my time away from the court, a period that has allowed me to experience a different side of life. However, I miss the game and the challenge of competing at the highest level of tennis, and I want to gauge whether I can stay healthy and compete with today’s top players.”

During her earlier comeback Hingis was eliminated 1-6, 6-2, 6-2 from the first round of the low level WTA Pattaya tournament by German Marlene Weingartner.

She has won 76 career singles and doubles titles and became the youngest world number one at 16 1/2

Hingis ranks third on the all-time women’s money list behind German legend Steffi Graf and US star Martina Navratilova. She reached 104 finals in 118 events between the 1996 US Open and 2002 Indian Wells tournament.—AFP