Melbourne, Dec 05: Former world number one Martina Hingis was among the entries for next month’s Australian Open, officials said here on Wednesday.
Hingis, who has won the Australian title three times, had been in doubt with an ankle injury. Entries closed on Monday and Australian Open chief executive Paul McNamee said only the recently-retired Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario, a pregnant Sandrine Testud and Jelena Dokic had indicated they won’t be making the trip to Melbourne to play.

Hingis underwent surgery on her left ankle in May to repair one torn and three loose ligaments. The injury forced her to miss the German, Italian and French Opens, in addition to Wimbledon, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Only American Todd Martin had officially indicated he would not be a starter in the men’s event, although Australian Open CEO McNamee had no word on the availability of Pete Sampras, whose future is clouded following his victory in US Open last September and the impending birth of his first child. The first grand slam of 2003 will be held from January 13-26. Bureau Report