Switzerland's Tennis Stars

Maybe There's Something in the Water: Roger Federer, Martina Hingis and Patty Schnyder

Switzerland knows how to do things right: skiing, banking, watches, chocolate and tennis players. The country’s latest exports are making their rounds on the ATP and WTA circuits and reaching peaks higher than the country’s famous Alps. These players include: world number one Roger Federer, Martina Hingis back from retirement and Patty Schnyder who broke through to the women’s top ten in 2005 and is looking to stay. How can a small country land locked in the heart of Europe produce some of the world’s greatest tennis stars? Is it the cheese? The chocolate? The only thing that’s certain is the Swiss know how to do tennis right. Here’s a closer look at their great players: 

At this year’s Australian Open, with all eyes riveted on the return of Martina Hingis, another name slipped quietly through the draw. Patty Schnyder (Shnee-der), 28, dispensed four opponents, including number 12 seed Anastasia Myskina, to reach the quarterfinals where she fell to the eventual champion, Amelie Mauresmo. Schnyder’s strong performance shows that she may have what it takes to snag her first major. 

This lefty is no newbie to tennis. Schnyder, who was born in Basil and currently resides in Baech, Switzerland, turned professional over ten years ago, but only reached the highest ranking of her career, number seven in the world, in 2005. She enjoys top ten company with such names as Clijsters, Davenport and Sharapova. While Schnyder has yet to win a grand slam (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon or the US Open), she is no stranger to titles and held ten in her singles career at the end of 2005. With her best year yet behind her, this Swiss is looking to make 2006 even better. She may not linger in all the spotlights, but Schnyder is certainly a threat on the court. She might be a black horse, but 2006 is looking like the perfect year for a push to the top. And, as far as black horses go, she has some good company in the improbable return of her Swiss compatriot, Martina Hingis.