Former world number one Martina Hingis has her sights firmly set on a return to the top of the tennis mountain.
Although the Swiss has yet to win a title in her two-month comeback, the five-times Grand Slam champion has reached one final and two semi-finals, taking down three former Grand Slam winners; Maria Sharapova, Svetlana Kuznetsova and Anastasia Myskina.
The 25-year-old enters the Pacific Life Open ranked number 32 and with the 19th seeding, but that won't be good enough in the long term.
She believes she can reach the top echelons again.
"That's what I think I can do, now it's a matter of having the conditions to go all the way at tournaments," she told reporters.
"Mentally and physically, it's very demanding and more physical. I have to get used to it, but I have the patience."
When she retired in 2002 due to foot injuries and burnout, Hingis said she would never be satisfied hanging around outside the top 20.
Even though she says she's playing without pressure in her second tennis life now, she still won't be satisfied with being a run-of-the-mill player.
"At this point it doesn't look like I'm going to [have to]," she said. "Hopefully there is some space up there. Everyone talks about being top 10 or top five. I'd rather not talk about it and just do it."
LOSE MOTIVATION
Hingis said she returned to the tour because she missed the thrill of the crowds and the competition.
She has clearly got over the negative feelings she suffered in 2002, when she was losing to players she once owned.
"When your body doesn't allow you to do things that you want to do, then it becomes frustrating," she said.
"Mentally, you just lose the motivation because you know you can't play the best tennis you need to play against the top girls. But I'm healthy again and I hope I can stay like that."
Not every player is sure Hingis can rule the roost again.
Top seed Justine Henin-Hardenne, who beat Hingis in Sydney in January, is impressed with the Swiss's play, but isn't convinced she can peak in the sport again.
"She's played very consistent since the beginning of the year," Henin said. "She went to another level, and against the top players it will take a little more time until she can get used to the rhythms we have to play now. But top five is hard.
"I think she can do it, but she will have to play great."
Myskina isn't convinced either, but won't count her out.
"She can beat a lot of players but it's hard to compete against players like [Amelie] Mauresmo and Sharapova," the Russian said.
"She'll need time to get back at the same level that she was at."
No seeds were in action at the Pacific Life Open on Wednesday.
American Ashley Harkleroad defeated Zi Yan 6-3, 7-5, setting up a clash with number two Lindsay Davenport.
