Performances vindicate Hingis's comeback decision

MADRID, Nov 10 (Reuters) Former world number one Martina Hingis said that her performances at this week's season-ending WTA Championships vindicated her decision to return to the professional circuit after a three-year lay-off.

''I feel that after these three days I'm playing my best tennis again,'' the 26-year-old told a news conference yesterday after her three-set defeat by defending champion Amelie Mauresmo.

''I haven't played like this all season and these matches are the reasons why I came back.'' Hingis also lost to Justine Henin-Hardenne in three sets but beat Nadia Petrova and will make the semi-finals of the tournament if the Belgian beats Mauresmo in the final round-robin match.

The Swiss, who won the Championships in 1998 and 2000, decided to leave the circuit at the end of 2002 after being plagued by ankle and foot injuries, but returned to action on a full-time basis at the start of this season.

''I can only be proud of myself and I've done more than I expected in these three days. I don't regret for a second coming back.

''I've shown that I am capable of playing with the best and my aim is to continue like this at the start of next season. If I play more matches like this I can only get better.'' ''I will definitely watch the (Henin-Hardenne - Mauresmo) match on TV and maybe live,'' said Hingis. ''I don't like relying on other people, but there is still a chance to get there.'' REUTERS DH BST0507