Monday Wrap - Hingis at home in Tokyo

For the eighth time in her career, Martina Hingis featured in the Tier I Tokyo final on Sunday. The Swiss Miss beat Ana Ivanovic in the final, for a record fifth title in the Japanese capital.

Hingis was impressive throughout the week, not dropping a set the entire tournament in wins over Pratt, Stosur, Dementieva and Ivanovic in the final.

In last year’s edition, she was beaten 6-2 6-0 in the championship match by Dementieva, shortly after her comeback to the Tour.

Ivanovic reached the final when Sharapova retired in their semi-final clash. The Serb was leading 6-1 0-1 when the Australian Open finalist pulled out with a hamstring injury.

That’s what happens when you’ve got a Tier I the week after a Slam. Great scheduling.

In the quarterfinals Ivanovic won the prestigious battle of the Serbs against Jelena Jankovic. Ana moved up to the 14th place in the rankings but still sees Jankovic sitting in the Top 10.

What’s going on with Dementieva? Elena needs to pick up on her game or she’ll drop out of the Top 10 in no time. She hasn’t beaten many elite players over the last year. Vaidisova, Jankovic, Chakvetadze, Ivanovic and Serena Williams are eager to surpass the 25-year-old.

Don’t count on seeing Patty Schnyder in the Top 10 again. There’s too much power around for her these days.

So much for the women.

Xavier Malisse became the first man to win a tournament after losing a match in the new round robin system in Delray Beach.

After falling to Rainer Schuttler in three sets, the Belgian informed the press how much he likes the new format.

"It's just I knew I had to win one set [to advance], and I won the first set and there was no motivation anymore. It's a different mentality. You win a set and what are you playing for, there's nothing to it anymore."

Malisse defeated James Blake in a 2-day final, when the X-man turned things around on Monday trailing 5-7 3-3 after rain had interrupted the match on Sunday.

In Vina del Mar, Nicolas Massu was denied in the final of his home event for the second straight year, when Peruvian Luis Horna claimed the title in straight sets.

Meanwhile in Zagreb, Ivan Ljubicic also fell in front of a home crowd in his final against Marcos Baghdatis.