Martina Hingis, a five-time grand slam singles title winner, made a courageously impressive return to big-time tennis in the Fed Cup, but was beaten by Agnieszka Radwanska. Hingis was persuaded to play her first tour-level singles for nearly eight years because of injuries in the Switzerland team for the World Group playoff encounter against Poland in Zielona Gora.
The 34-year-old fought hard in a thrilling 48-minute first set before capitulating 6-4, 6-0 to the world No9 Radwanska after 76 enjoyable minutes.
Clearly enjoying the experience of being back in the spotlight against a player with a similarly attractive style, Hingis played some exhilarating strokes early on in the match but her effort eventually took its toll.