Martina Hingis is one of the few major contributors to the history of tennis. Turning pro in 1994, the Swiss sensation steadily climbed the ladder of success. However, things didn’t seem to be pleasant for Hingis in the long run. Playing on a decent level, Hingis suffered a sudden retirement. A retirement, which undoubtedly was an unpleasant one.

Going back in time, in 2007, the 25-time Grand Slam champion suffered a major blow when she tested positive for benzoylecgonine, a metabolite of cocaine. With unpleasant situations unfolding one after the other, Hingis held a press conference to give her statement on the accusations.

Martina Hingis gives her statement on testing positive for benzoylecgonine

Till 2007, Hingis had won a total of three Wimbledon titles: one in singles and two in doubles. Looking to improve her tally further, the then 27-year-old reached the Wimbledon Championships. Complying with the rules, she was tested for consumption of any illegal substance. Even though it wasn’t the first substance test for Martina, it was undoubtedly the first one to have a positive result.

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Looking at the test results, her sample had an estimated 42 nanograms per milliliter of the banned substance, benzoylecgonine. Disturbed by the result, the former world number one opened up about her stand on the result. “I have tested positive but I have never taken drugs and I feel 100% innocent,” she said.

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Following the results, what one would expect from a player is to give her all to get herself cleared in front of the authorities. However, Hingis opted to express herself in front of the press. Elaborating on her reason for talking to the press, she said, “I am frustrated and angry. I find this accusation so horrendous, so monstrous, that I have decided to confront it head-on by talking to the press.”

Appealing to the tribunal

Giving their remarks on the result, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) admitted that the quantity of benzoylecgonine found in her sample was a considerably low amount. Learning about the remarks of the ITF, Hingis appealed in front of the tribunal citing that what the result shows is contamination, rather than her using anything illegal.

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However, things went from bad to worse for Hingis. After a series of hearings, the tribunal came to the conclusion that her appeal could not be considered. As a result, Hingis was banned from the sport for two years. Not gelling well with the ban, she took a step forward, announcing her retirement from the sport.

The unpleasant situation undoubtedly came as a disturbing phase for Martina Hingis. However, having a strong personality, she made a comeback in 2011. Playing doubles, she went on to add a number of more titles to her Grand Slam tally.