Hingis struggles into quarterfinals at Paris

The former world number one stuttered to a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 win over Israel's Shahar Peer in the French Open.

Former world number one Martina Hingis stuttered to a 6-3, 2-6, 6-3 win over Israel's Shahar Peer and a place in the quarterfinals of the French Open on Monday.

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The Swiss, back to Roland Garros after a three-year self-imposed exile from the game, dropped her first set on the Paris clay, where in her last five appearances she has always made it to the semi-finals.

Hingis, seeded 12th, will meet Belgian world number two Kim Clijsters in the next round on Tuesday and faces a potential semi-final against defending champion Justine Henin-Hardenne.

Peer, who was aiming to become the first Israeli woman to reach the quarterfinals of a grand slam, had knocked out Russian sixth seed Elena Dementieva in the previous round.

Despite losing the first set, the 31st seed gallantly took her chance in the second, which she wrapped up before the match was interrupted due to bad light on Thursday.

Hingis, who has been on court for the past four days, was forced into long rallies by her opponent and took the first game of the decider after 14 minutes on court one.

Peer broke straight back before being outfoxed by the Swiss, one of the finest tacticians on the tour.