Raymond Deals Weary Hingis Quarterfinal Loss In Switzerland

Playing before startled home fans in Zurich, Switzerland, a weary Martina Hingis was beaten by American Lisa Raymond 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 in the quarterfinals of the European Indoor Championships on Friday, only the fourth loss this year for the world’s No. 1 tennis player.

“I didn’t feel too well,” Hingis said. “But I must hand it to her, she’s a dangerous, solid player.”

Hingis, who has won 11 titles this year, including three Grand Slams, pointed to year-end fatigue for her performance, which left her record for 1997 at 70-4. This was her first loss before the semifinals of a tournament this year.

Earlier, Lindsay Davenport routed Venus Williams 6-0, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals against Jana Novotna. Raymond will play France’s Nathalie Tauziat.

Boris Becker of Germany defeated American Jonathan Stark 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals of the $725,000 Marlboro Championships in Hong Kong. Becker plays Byron Black next.