Hingis Gains Revenge By Routing Pierce In Two Sets

Martina Hingis topped Mary Pierce 6-2, 6-3 in the Australian Open today to set up a semifinal clash against Anke Huber, a 7-6 (9-7), 7-5 victor over Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.

Lindsay Davenport and Conchita Martinez will meet in the other semifinal.

A year ago, Hingis won the Australian, beating Pierce 6-2, 6-2 in the final, to begin her ascent to No. 1 in the rankings and her run of triumphs in three Grand Slam events.

This time, the 17-year-old from Switzerland nailed five aces against the fifth-seeded Pierce and some stunning returns that left Pierce staring as the ball went past.