Hingis rules out a return to tennis tour once she completes her drug ban

The former world number one and five-time Grand Slam winner retired from the sport one day after her doping ban was announced, protesting her innocence but failing to contest the charge.

Won't go back: Martina Hingis has ruled out a return to competitive tennis

Hingis will be 29 when she is cleared to rejoin the WTA Tour but says she has no intention of reversing a retirement decision for the second time in her career.

Hingis said today: "When I came back the first time I badly wanted it but the second time around I don't have any regrets.

"I re-lived it again for two years but I don't miss anything. I don't care so much about it.

"I'll be nearly 30 when I can come back. There are different steps in life that you shouldn't really criss-cross. There is also the physical aspect. You always have to keep realistic."

Hingis was speaking at the Liverpool International tournament today, where she was due to play an exhibition against her 1997 Wimbledon final opponent Jana Novotna.

Hingis was 16 years old when she beat Novotna for her first Grand Slam title but retired prematurely at the age of 22. After a brief comeback she retired again at the age of 27.

Hingis refused to take any questions related to her drugs ban. Following the ban, she was stripped of ranking points and prize money accrued during her tournaments last year.

Hingis said she intended to continue playing exhibition matches.

"Tennis has always been part of my life and I wouldn't have it any other way," she added.

"I love tennis and whenever I see people playing it makes me want to do it too. Tennis has given me everything and now it is time for me to give it something back."