Hingis says she has tested positive for cocaine

ZURICH, Nov 1 (Reuters) Former world number one Martina Hingis said today she had tested positive for cocaine during Wimbledon this year.

The 27-year-old five-times grand slam champion from Switzerland told a news conference she was retiring from professional tennis.

''I have tested positive but I have never taken drugs and I feel one hundred per cent innocent,'' Hingis said in a brief statement.

''The reason I have come out with this is because I do not want to have a fight with anti-doping authorities.

''Because of my age and my health problems I have also decided to retire from professional tennis.'' REUTERS RJ ND2320