TOKYO -- Martina Hingis couldn't be happier with the way her comeback to women's tennis is progressing.
Hingis defeated top-seeded Maria Sharapova 6-3, 6-1 on Saturday to advance to the final of the Pan Pacific Open.
Hingis, who entered the tournament as a wild card, relied on solid groundstrokes and a strong serve on her way to a win over the defending champion that took just 1 hour, 6 minutes.
"It took me three years to recharge my brain and my body and hopefully I can keep playing like this," said Hingis, who will face second-seeded Elena Dementieva of Russia in Sunday's final.
Dementieva beat compatriot and fourth-seeded Anastasia Myskina 6-4, 3-6, 6-4 in Saturday's other semifinal.
Hingis, who retired three years ago because of foot, heel and ankle injuries, is a four-time winner in Tokyo. She last played in the tournament in 2002.
She won the mixed doubles Grand Slam title at the Australian Open last Sunday after reaching the singles quarterfinals.
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| Martina Hingis earns a victory in her first match against Maria Sharapova. (AP) |
"I played well," said Hingis. "I didn't miss much on key points and I put a lot of pressure on her. I couldn't ask for much more, she's the No. 4 player in the world."
With a 4-3 lead in the first set, Hingis broke Sharapova to go up 5-3 when her return hit the net and fell in on Sharapova's side. She then had two aces in the final game to take the opening set.
Hingis, who was playing Sharapova for the first time, said Saturday's win was the result of confidence in her game.
"Playing the top players you have to play them over and over," said Hingis. "You have to start believing and step by step I'm getting my confidence back."
With the capacity crowd behind her, Hingis took a 5-1 lead in the second set and broke her opponent in the final game when Sharapova's return went out.
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