Hingis misses playing Wimbledon

Former Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis has admitted she would love to play in the tournament again.

Hingis, forced to quit tennis last year through injury, is in SW19 doing television work but would much rather be out on court.

"Watching those girls out there makes me realise how much I miss it," she told BBC Sport.

"But it would be a medical miracle if I came back!"

Hingis was just 22 when she took the decision to bow out of the professional game following a succession of severe ankle problems.

"I tried to make a comeback and played in the (2002) US Open, but maybe it was too soon," she conceded.

"In the back of your mind there's always the feeling that you don't want to hurt yourself and feel pain again."

One thing Hingis does not miss is the constant sessions in the gym to try and keep up with the Jones' - or the Williams' in her case.

"The game was getting more and more physical - especially when the Williams sisters came in," she recalled.

"I had to up my regime and go and work out, which was not my favourite part!

"I was not the most flexible person - maybe if I was doing the yoga Madonna has been doing on stage that would have helped!"

Sharapova is a good shout for Wimbledon

One thing that has surprised Hingis is the inability of any one player to really take the women's game by the scruff of the neck.

"I was number one for four years, then it was Venus for one year - then Lindsay (Davenport), Jennifer (Capriati) and Serena all had a year.

"Today's game is like a one-year system. Justine Henin built up the strength and power in her game, but now she is injured."

Hingis believes the future of the women's game is bright, though, and is particularly impressed with 17-year-old Maria Sharapova, who is through to this year's semi-finals.

"I have known Maria since she was 12," Hingis revealed. "She was one of my hitting partners and was already very cocky - you could hear her scream five courts away!"

Sounds familiar.