Sydney: Hingis wins in the heat

Hingis, the top seed, set up the battle betweeen former holders with her 6-3, 6-2 victory over Spain's Martinez, who went to the net just five times during the contest as she stayed camped on her favourite spot, the baseline. Davenport moved into the Saturday title match when defending champion Amelie Mauresmo fell victim to a back problem which kept her from competition for four months last year.

The Frenchwomen, a 1999 Australian Open finalist against Hingis, withdrew after testing the problem which arose during her Thursday semi-final upset of Monica Seles. "I felt my back go during the second set while serving," said Mauresmo. "It's two bones rubbing together on the lower right. It's not as serious as last year and I only feel it when I serve. "I hope that with rest if will be OK for the start of the Open. I still go into the tournament with confidence since I won three matches here this week. It's just my back - otherwise, my game is ready."

World number l Hingis suffered a niggle while serving for the match in the second set against Martinez, dropping serve. But the 20- year-old Swiss broke straight back, advancing to her second final in as many weeks after the Spaniard saved a match point. Martinez put a shot out - her 32nd unforced error of a hot 33 centigrade afternoon - for a second Hingis winning chance. This time, the Swiss did not fail, profiting from another miscue from her opponent to notch victory. "It was very hot and that made for tough conditions," said Hingis. "I tried to give it my best shot. It would be great to win here again." Swedish men's top seed Magnus Norman won a semi-final marathon lasting for well over two hours over compatriot Jonas Bjorkman 5-7, 6-3, 7-5, going through after claiming a tense third set. The contest ended on a sour note for Bjorkman, who thought his final volley landed on the line instead of out as it was called. Too show his displeasure, he went over after the match and marked the spot where he thought the ball had actually landed.

(dpa)