FORMER Wimbledon champion Martina Hingis has been confirmed to join the line-up at this summer’s Liverpool International Tennis Tournament.

Hingis, who has now retired from the professional circuit, spent a total of 209 weeks as world number one, winning five Grand Slam singles titles and nine Grand Slam women's doubles titles.

She is best known for breaking many ‘youngest –ever’ records including the youngest-ever player in the 20th century to win a Grand Slam tournament at the Australian Open in 1997 aged only 16.

Hingis said: “I am really excited to be playing and competing in the International Tennis Tournament in Liverpool, especially alongside great players such as John McEnroe and the Bryan Brothers.

“I am also looking forward to seeing the young and up-coming talent, which is so important to the future of the game.”

Hingis will be joined by a top line-up including Jeremy Bates, Paul-Henri Mathieu and Paul McNamee.

Anders Borg, tournament director at Northern Vision, the event and sports management company behind the event, said: “We are delighted to announce Martina’s presence at the tournament.

“She is certain to add a certain quality and flair to the proceedings.”