TENNIS in DEPTH.

Martina Hingis and Anna Kournikova both ruled out returning to the WTA Tour after reuniting to win an exhibition match at Wimbledon.

Kournikova suggested Hingis would have no problem fitting in, but the Swiss five-time singles grand slam winner dismissed the prospect of making a  comeback. Both will play World Team Tennis tournaments, alongside modern-day stars and veterans of the game, but the prospect of serious competition on tour appeals to neither player.

“You could for sure,” Kournikova told Hingis, with whom she won two Australian Open doubles titles. But Hingis said: “I haven’t played that much in the last three years. It’s only three years. But you have to commit. The commitment is totally different.”

She added: “You can’t pop up and say, ‘I’m going to come back and win grand slams’, even if you have a great partner.

“It’s great fun to be out there again with Anna. We had some great times. We’re sharing some good times again.

“I did it. I had my comeback. I was very happy with it. I lived through all the emotions. I missed it when I was away for three years. That’s why I did the comeback.

“Now it’s different. I’m going to be 30 years old (in September).

“I think I’ve played enough tennis in my life. Tennis gave me everything I have. I’m grateful every moment.”

Kournikova, who turned 29 earlier this month, has not played seriously since 2003, and she looked the least capable of making a comeback as she teamed up with Hingis for a 6-2 6-4 victory over Britain’s Sam Smith and Anne Hobbs.

The Russian-American said: “For me it would be impossible really physically to be on the tour. It even bothers me a little bit playing today. It wasn’t a strenuous match. It was quite fun and giggly. I’m sure I’m going to feel it and I’ll be sore.”

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