"I don’t want to become like Steffi Graf or some others" - When Martina Hingis criticized players for 'staying in their rooms' during tournaments

Martina Hingis once distanced her outgoing personality from the more reserved nature of Steffi Graf and some other players on tour. The Swiss opened up about how she enjoyed off-court activities during tournaments and made an effort to connect with her fellow players.

Hingis won her maiden Grand Slam title at the 1997 Australian Open at just 16 years of age, making history as the youngest woman to achieve the feat in the Open Era. Later that year, she entered the Lipton Championships as the top seed and went on to clinch the title, beating Monica Seles 6-2, 6-1 in the final.

During a press conference at the event in Miami, Martina Hingis disclosed that she made the most of her time before the tournament by going rollerblading. She explained that she couldn't confine herself to tournament grounds without feeling stir-crazy.

"I went roller-blading three times already before I started to play this tournament. Just relax," Hingis said. "I can't be all the time here at the courts. It would just get crazy if you would spend all the time on the site. For me it's important to do something else. Sometimes a little faster, but just for fun."

The Swiss, who was set to become the World No. 1 after her triumph, shed light on her plans to celebrate the accomplishment in style by hosting a party for her fellow players at Hilton Head Island. She also expressed her enjoyment of attending player parties.

"I try to make kind of a party for all the players because this is my third year to be on Tour. I really had a great welcome from all these players. I just want to give something back, you know. I never enjoyed to play tennis so much as I do right now, and I'm having one of my best times in my life. That's great," she said.

Martina Hingis further made it clear that she didn't want to be like Steffi Graf and other aloof players who tended to isolate themselves, criticizing them for only stepping out for their matches before retreating to their rooms.

"I don’t want to become like Steffi or some of the other players. They just go on the court, play their game and go away. They always stay in their room. It isn’t so bad if you can say hello and talk to somebody," she said (via the Sun Sentinel).

Steffi Graf: "You have to be respectful of your opponent, and sometimes Martina Hingis hasn't been"

Steffi Graf defeated Martina Hingis in the 1999 French Open final - Source: Getty

Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis locked horns in the 1999 French Open final, which was rife with drama. The Swiss made a strong start to the blockbuster contest, holding a commanding 6-4, 2-0 lead. However, she lost her momentum after rushing to Graf's side of the net to dispute a controversial line call, which earned her jeers from the crowd.

Graf then took control of the contest, while the Swiss further alienated the audience by taking a lengthy bathroom break and delivering an underarm serve on match point. The German clinched her 22nd and final Grand Slam title by claiming a 4-6, 7-5, 6-2 victory, with Hingis leaving the court in tears after her loss and only returning for the trophy ceremony after being persuaded by her mother.

Speaking to the press after her win, Steffi Graf denounced Hingis' contentious conduct in the title clash, asserting that the Swiss often disrespected her opponents.

"You have to be respectful of your opponent, and sometimes she hasn't been. It is something she really should take a closer look at because we're all out there, trying hard," Steffi Graf said.

Martina Navratilova also criticized Martina Hingis for "showing great disrespect for Steffi Graf" in the 1999 French Open final, asserting that the Swiss had "gone too far" with her controversial underhand serve.