Hingis faces Clijsters challenge

Kim Clijsters powers past Elena Bovina

World number one Martina Hingis breezed past Italian Silvia Farina Elia to reach the semi-finals of the Indian Wells Masters Series tournament.

The only hiccup Hingis experienced in the 43-minute 6-0 6-1 demolition was dropping her serve in the first game of the second set.

"I was very focused," said Hingis, who was runner-up to Lindsay Davenport at Indian Wells last year.

"There are always things you can still get better, like that first game in the second set I let down a little bit. I just came back right away, so that was good."

According to Hingis, who has not won a Grand Slam trophy since the 1999 Australian Open, her game has greatly improved since this time last year.

"I think technically I made a big step in the last year," said Hingis.

I will have to play my best tennis to beat her but I've got nothing to lose

  Kim Clijsters

The victory sets up Hingis for a semi-final outing against talented 14th seed Kim Clijsters, of Belgium, who beat Russian wildcard recipient Elena Bovina 6-2 6-2.

"I think she's (Clijsters) a very talented player, but still maybe sometimes she's not as experienced as those who are in the top-10, like Venus and Serena (Williams)," said Hingis.

"She's a fast learner. Already being in the semi-finals here, she has very good potential."

Hingis predicts Clijsters, who has won three titles in smaller events, will soon be counted among the game's elite.

"There's not that many others I see in the Top-10 in the future," Hingis said.

As for Clijsters, who has yet to win a set in her three previous meetings with Hingis, the opportunity to challenge the Swiss sensation again will be welcomed.

"I will have to play my best tennis to beat her but I've got nothing to lose," added the 17-year-old.