Hingis ended last season as the world's number one on the Women's Tour Association (WTA), the second time in three seasons she had claimed the honor.

However, the last time the Swiss 20-year-old enjoyed success at one of he circuit's four majors was at the Australian Open in 1999.

She has also come under increasing pressure in the form of Lindsay Davenport and Venus Williams in the last 12 months.

Williams won 36 matches in succession last season, including the Wimbledon and U.S. Open titles, and many believe that if the American had not taken four months off the Tour last season to concentrate on her fashion design studies she would have usurped Hingis at the top of the rankings.

Hingis, preparing for the Hopman Cup in Perth, which started on Saturday, said: "I've been playing consistently good tennis for a long time, but I have not had the breaks at the grand slams.

"I hope that changes, because it is a special feeling to do well at the majors. That is what a lot of people remember you for.

"I have always done well in Australia, and I hope it is lucky for me again this year.

"The challenges get tougher every year, but I have been working very hard on my game and there is no reason why I cannot remain at the top for another season.

"Players like the Williams sisters and Davenport have a lot of power, and I have had to work on certain things to be able to combat that."

Hingis is teaming up with Roger Federer in the Switzerland team for the Hopman Cup. They meet Australia, defending champions South Africa and Thailand in group A of the competition.