Hantuchova's dream is a rude awakening for Hingis

Daniela Hantuchova says it was like a dream, but for Martina Hingis the final of the Indian Wells Masters at the weekend was more of a rude awakening.

Confused and dispirited, the former world number one suffered a humiliating 6-3 6-4 defeat at the hands of the Slovak who became the lowest-ranked player to win a Tier I title since 1983.

Fewer and fewer fans, pundits and players expect Hingis to beat the big hitters these days.

Jennifer Capriati, the Williams sisters Venus and Serena, and Lindsay Davenport are increasingly seen as a step too far for the Swiss tactician.

However, for several years she had hung on to her top ranking by swatting aside everyone outside that elite group of power-hitters.

Without a Grand Slam title since the third of a trio of Australian crowns in 1997, she has nevertheless vacuumed up countless other second tier titles, amassing thousands of computer points.

But the weekend's demolition at the hands of an 18-year-old virtual newcomer should sound alarm bells for the Swiss.

Hantuchova is no baseline-blaster. She relies on finesse and timing rather than pure muscle-power.

WEARY VETERAN

A wily doubles competitor, she out-thought as well as out-hit Hingis.

"She just played very fearlessly," Hingis said. "She had nothing to lose.

"When I was 18, I was fearless too, I guess."

"It was more or less up to her. She was always one shot better. I played great slice, great defence, she always made a better shot out of that.

"Somehow she managed always to hit the lines. There's not much you can do about that."

Sighing like a weary veteran, Hingis went on: "Always when the younger generation comes, they come with something new. She has a great sense of the court. I'll just try to adjust."

Hingis may talk of a younger generation, and the evolution of the game, but the reality is that only three years separate the willowy Hantuchova and Hingis.

The Swiss is right, though, in that she must evolve and if she is to avoid being left behind.

Hantuchova was happy not to analyse her victory too closely. Whether it was fearless play, hitting the lines or a great sense of the court which brought her victory, it was still almost all too much for the teenager.

"For me it is like a dream coming true... my first final, playing one of the greatest players and beating her the way I did," she said.

"It is hard for me to believe what I have done."