UPSC Prelims 2000 Q25: Current Affairs – Tennis Grand Slams
To reach the final of first Grand Slam of the year 2000, Martina Hingis defeated
- (a) Lindsay Davenport
- (b) Jennifer Capriati
- (c) Serena Williams
- (d) Conchita Martinez
Answer: (d) Conchita Martinez
Explanation
Whom Martina Hingis beat to reach the 2000 Australian Open final
| Player | Result at the 2000 Australian Open |
|---|---|
| Conchita Martinez | Lost to Hingis in the semi-final |
| Lindsay Davenport | Beat Hingis in the final to win the title |
| Jennifer Capriati | Lost to Davenport in the other semi-final |
| Serena Williams | Lost in the fourth round |
The Australian Open is the first Grand Slam of each year.
In January 2000 Martina Hingis beat Conchita Martinez of Spain in the semi-final to reach her fourth straight Australian Open final.
There she lost to Lindsay Davenport, who had beaten Jennifer Capriati in the other semi-final.
Answer: (d) Conchita Martinez.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Davenport was Hingis's opponent in the final, and she won it.
- (b) Incorrect. Capriati lost to Davenport in the other semi-final.
- (c) Incorrect. Serena Williams went out in the fourth round.
- (d) CORRECT. Hingis beat Conchita Martinez in the semi-final.
Key point
Hingis won the Australian Open three years running, 1997-1999.
Remember
2000 Australian Open: Hingis beat Martinez (SF), lost to Davenport (F).
Common mistakes
- Choosing Davenport, who played Hingis in the final, not before it.
- Choosing Capriati because she reached the semi-final too.
- Forgetting that the Australian Open is the year's first Grand Slam.
Exam tip
Semi-final win → final; the final opponent is not 'defeated to reach' it.
Sources
- Tennis Australia — Australian Open 2000 women's singles draw (ausopen.com)
- Women's Tennis Association — Martina Hingis player profile and results (wtatennis.com)