Martina Hingis translated Fridays column

By Martina Hingis
October 23 2004

“An important part of my activities here at the Swisscom Challenge is the cooperation with the sponsors, without whom we would not even have this event. I am doing this so called 'Lounge Walk' everyday. At the Lounge I keep myself at the disposal of a hundred by the sponsors invited guests.

I answer all sorts of questions about the players, the tournament and sometimes also private matters. The guests can have their picture taken with me and they get my autograph. Those are entertaining events! I make good use of my experience with that. During my time as an active player on the pro tour I was also available for doing all sorts of events for the tournament sponsors.

For my personal sponsors I always feel compelled to have a close relationship. The company agents were always present at tournaments; that created constructive Teamwork. And the partnership, a particularly friendly cooperation was always long term and set for several years. After all the sponsors generates the main income of a pro player.

I mainly work with world wide operating companies, global players. The Swiss market alone would be too small. That I have a partnership with Omega, also a Swiss firm, is a good addition.

With Adidas and Yonex I also have two ‘old’ sponsors. Thanks to our good basis of trust we could continue working together after my active career. Along with that came V-Zug. With my work at the Swisscom Challenge I have to take care that I don’t have conflicting interests. I don’t want to damage my relationship with one of my partners with some awkward photos.

When I am not sure about something my manager Mario Widmer is there for me, he has everything under control. Like earlier, when my Mum combined all the duties in one person, from her life partner today the most important support comes from within the family.

Bis Morgen.