HERZOGENAURACH, Germany/SAN DIEGO--(BW SportsWire)--Aug. 2, 1999--adidas and tennis superstar Martina Hingis have entered into a multi-year agreement starting with the TIG Tennis Classic in San Diego, August 2.

Hingis began wearing adidas footwear earlier this year. Product quality was one of the deciding factors in her choosing adidas over the other brands that were courting her.

At only 18 years of age, Martina has already won 21 singles titles and 21 doubles titles, including five Grand Slam singles titles and seven Grand Slam doubles titles. Measured against the other legends in women's tennis, Martina has more titles, wins and prize money than any of the others had at such a young age. Her determination and commitment to tennis almost guarantee that we have only seen the tip of the iceberg.

"Martina has been the most dominant and consistent player on the female tour over the last three years, and we are fortunate to have the opportunity to forge a long-term partnership with her," stated Martyn Brewer, Head of Global Sports Marketing for adidas. "Along with Anna Kournikova, among others, Martina represents the future of tennis and women's sport in general, a future that adidas is committed to being a part of. adidas views this partnership as another major step toward solidifying our position as the tennis brand of the future."

adidas is excited about the opportunities that working with Martina offer. She will be wearing adidas' top-of-the-line Equipment apparel and footwear range. She will be involved with the development of tennis footwear and apparel starting with the 2001 collection.

Martina's return to the WTA Tour after a four-week layoff sees her as focused as ever and ready to assume her place at the top of the rankings. Her drive to be the best tennis player in the world is as strong today as ever, and that can only be good for the game of tennis, unless you happen to be one of her competitors.

For further information or to request the latest images of Martina Hingis in adidas Equipment product, please contact Nicole Vollebregt:

Telephone: 503/972-2345 Mobile: 503/504-8604 E-mail: nicole.vollebregt@adidasus.com --30--CER/se CONTACT: adidas Nicole Vollebregt, 503/972-2345 Mobile: 503/504-8604 E-mail: nicole.vollebregt@adidasus.com KEYWORD: OREGON CALIFORNIA INTERNATIONAL EUROPE INDUSTRY KEYWORD: APPAREL/TEXTILES RETAIL SPORTS Today's News On The Net - Business Wire's full file on the Internet with Hyperlinks to your home page. URL: http://www.businesswire.com