SYDNEY - Former world No 1 Martina Hingis will make her eagerly-awaited return to competitive tennis at next month's Australian Hardcourt Championships, tournament organisers have announced.
The five-times grand slam singles champion, who has been absent from the sport for three years with a string of foot, heel and ankle problems,will make her comeback at the Gold Coast tournament which begins on January 1.
"I'm very excited to be making my return to competitive tennis in Australia, I have always felt at home on the Australian courts," the Swiss said in a statement.
"I'm really looking forward to competing again and making my first trip to the Gold Coast.
"I know I'll get some tough matches and it will allow me to get used to the Australian summer coming from the European winter, both of which will be helpful with my preparation for the Australian Open."
The 25-year-old won 40 singles titles and 36 doubles crowns before her injury problems cut short her career in 2002.
Hingis enjoys an impressive record in Australia, having reached the Melbourne Park final six successive years from 1997 to 2002, winning it three times.
Australian Hardcourt Championships tournament director Liz Smylie was thrilled that Hingis chose to make her return at the Gold Coast event.
"Martina is a legend of women's tennis and an unbelievable performer in Australia, making the final of the Australian Open six times," Smylie said.
"Given the amazing career that she's already had, it's hard to believe she's still only 25-years-old.
"Time is definitely on her side and it's an honour for the tournament to host her return to tennis."
