Top-seeded Martina Hingis became the first player to win four singles titles at the Pan Pacific Open after defeating third-seed Monica Seles 7-6 (8-6), 4-6, 6-3. Hingis, who had advanced to the finals six-straight years, first won the tournament in 1997. "I'm honored and flattered to have won four times," the 21-year-old said. "Hopefully, I'll get some more chances."
Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, Hingis has lost only once this year -- a three-set loss to Jennifer Capriati in the Australian Open finals. Neither player broke the other's serve until midway through the second set, when Seles converted on her third break point of the match to take a 4-3 lead.
After Hingis broke Seles' serve, the 28-year-old American took command of the game with a dominating groundstroke. For the match, Seles notched 41 winners, compared to Hingis' 23.
"It's a great feeling to win," Hingis said. "It was a great match today, Monica's always tough and you have to expect her best."
Hingis almost dropped the first set in the tie-break. Seles took a 5-1 lead and had two set-points at 6-4. But Hingis stole four straight points to seal the set.
Hingis broke in the second game of the third set to take charge for the remainder of the game.
"I just tried to be positive and hang in there," Hingis said. "The trophies were sitting there waiting for one of us, so in the finals, you have to play your heart out." It was Hingis' third Toray title in four years and fourth overall.