| By ANDREAS EVAGORA Associated Press Writer
PARIS (AP) - After reflecting, but not sleeping, following her traumatic
defeat to Steffi Graf, Martina Hingis said she has no qualms about her
tantrums during the French Open final.
``I don't regret anything that I did. That's me, that's how I am on
court,'' Hingis said after losing Sunday's women's doubles final.
``Probably not everyone loves it, but that's the protection I have.
It is protection for myself against everybody,'' the Swiss star said.
Hingis repeatedly battled with the umpire and linesmen during Saturday's
final. She received a warning and was penalized a point.
The 18-year-old was repeatedly jeered by the crowd, which gradually
turned in Graf's favor as the match went on.
``How can you sleep if you lose a match like that?'' she asked. ``Not
much hope.''
Teamed with Anna Kournikova in the doubles final against Venus and Serena
Williams, there were no tantrums, no contested calls - and a supportive
crowd.
And after her second defeat of the weekend, Hingis was all smiles and
said she is doing her best to forget her defeat to Graf.
``I don't want to think about it anymore. It's behind me. It was yesterday
and there is future tomorrow,'' Hingis said after losing with Kournikova
6-3, 6-7 (2-7) 8-6.
But Hingis is still clearly upset at the French crowd's passionate backing
for Graf.
``It's not the first time the crowd was against me. I had it a few times
at this tournament already,'' Hingis said. ``I totally had a bit of a breakdown,
but only after the match.''
After her defeat, Hingis shook hands with Graf and immediately walked
off the court before returning, in tears, in the arms of her mother, Melanie
Molitor.
Indeed, if it hadn't been for her mother, Hingis said she would have
probably stayed in the locker room.
``Would you go out there if everyone boos you out, if nobody wants you
to win?''
Hingis still feels unappreciated by Roland Garros spectators.
``After losing the second set, I was mentally broke. I was not just
fighting against her, but the whole crowd, the referee, the line calls,''
she said. ``It wasn't the way I felt it should be.''
``If the people don't see how my game is, I don't deserve this tournament.''
Not that there is any lack of desire to come back.
``I'll show everybody that I can win this tournament,'' she said.
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