Rome, May 22 :

Martina Hingis beat 16th-seeded Dinara Safina 6-2, 7-5 on Sunday for her first title since coming out of retirement.

After storming through the first set in 27 minutes and taking a 4-1 lead in the second, Hingis appeared nervous while trying to close the match out. When Safina’s backhand return of serve sailed long on Hingis’ fourth match point, the Swiss placed her hand on her chest and took a deep breath of relief.

Hingis returned in January after nearly three years out of the game with foot and ankle injuries.

This was the 41st title of her career, but first since winning in Tokyo more than four years ago.

“I almost feel like I won my first title,” Hingis said. “This is what you play for, what I came back for.”