Nervy Hingis makes winning return

Latest results

Martina Hingis made a successful return to professional tennis with a 6-2 6-1 victory over Maria Vento-Kabchi at the Australian Hardcourt Championships.

The 25-year-old Swiss, who retired in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries, dropped her serve in the first game but then blew the Venezuelan away.

"I was a little nervous," admitted the former world number one, who has won five Grand Slam titles in her career.

She will now face Klara Koukalova of the Czech Republic in the second round.

Just wait until the next matches, I'll be even better Martina Hingis

Asked whether she was concerned by her nervous start, Hingis responded: "Not really. I knew I could play better than that.

"It was just a matter of time and getting the first point and the first game. After that I started breathing.

"I don't know what else I should have done today better than what I did. The score says it all."

Hingis conceded she would have to improve if she is to challenge the top-ranked players but is in upbeat mood.

Great to see such a wonderful player and person back in the game From IJ Have your say on Five Live

"I get another opportunity to play another match and that feels great already," she said. "All these expectations I've put on myself, they are gone right now."

And the Swiss star, who served just one ace against Vento-Kabchi, vowed: "Just wait until the next matches, I'll be even better.

"You have to have a high percentage of first serves otherwise these girls today are going to kill you. They're very aggressive and they attack right away."

Hingis is using the Gold Coast event and next week's Sydney International as warm-ups for the Australian Open, which starts on 16 January.