PTI
Rome, May 22:Martina Hingis has defeated Dinara Safina to win the Italian Open title.
The Swiss former world number one won 6-2, 7-5 in the game that lasted one hour, 26 minutes.
Hingis had begun the season with no ranking, after suddenly reversing her 2002 decision to quit the game due to foot and ankle injuries.
The win in Rome now takes her well inside the Top 20.
This was the 41st career singles title for the 25-year-old, who is best known for winning five Grand Slam titles as a teenager.