On this significant day, March 31, 1997, Martina Hingis etched her name into tennis history by becoming the youngest world No. 1 player ever. At just 16 years and 152 days old, the Swiss sensation achieved this remarkable feat, fresh off her triumph at the Miami Open the previous day.
Known affectionately as the “Swiss Miss,” Hingis had commenced the 1997 season ranked sixth globally. She had already secured her maiden Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January and maintained an undefeated streak leading up to this pivotal moment in the year. Her dominant reign at the summit of women’s tennis would endure for an impressive 80 consecutive weeks.
