In sports, some of the more compelling stories are often centered around players who have seen the highest of highs and fall to the lowest of lows, only to overcome them and return despite the odds. In tennis, Jennifer Capriati made such a comeback after obstacles and distractions in the 1990s. Now, another former champion has redefined herself and has created her own comeback to the delight of fans. Multiple major champion Martina Hingis has embraced doubles and found her competitiveness once more.

From 1997-99, Hingis won five major singles titles, including the Australian Open three times and Wimbledon and the U. S. Open once each. She twice finished runner-up at Roland Garros and held the world No. 1 ranking for 209 weeks. Hingis consistently competed in doubles and mixed doubles, winning nine major doubles titles (including a calendar year Grand Slam) and two mixed doubles major championships. The “Swiss Miss” made history in 1996 by becoming the youngest Grand Slam champion ever, winning a Wimbledon doubles title at just 15 years of age. She was one of the more popular players on tour with an endearing smile, never hiding her love for the sport.

However, after a dominating run, Hingis would step away from the sport at just 22 years of age after injuries began to take their toll. The Swiss champion would return, finding some success, but in 2007 she announced that she was under investigation for testing positive for a low level of benzoylecgonine, which is tested to determine positive results for cocaine use. Hingis would appeal but was banned from tennis by the ITF for two years and subsequently retired once again.

Later, Hingis attempted to remain active in tennis through different capacities, including coaching and participating in events that emphasized the fun of the game. However, in 2014 the Swiss native surfaced on the WTA once again, competing in doubles draws. Some assumed it would be short-lived and was simply for the enjoyment of playing. However, Hingis continued to compete and contend, particularly with partners Flavia Pennetta and Sabine Lisicki. Now, partnered with Sania Mirza, the pair have won three straight doubles titles at Indian Wells, Miami, and Charleston in 2015.

The 34-year-old has once again made history, this time for another reason. With her recent success in doubles, she has assisted Mirza in rising to become the world’s No. 1 doubles player. With her accomplishment, Mirza has become the first Indian woman to climb to this pinnacle.

Meanwhile, Hingis has become embraced again, entering stadiums to enthusiastic ovations resembling some that she received as a teenager in the 1990s. And now the Swiss star plays for more than just fun, competing hard on the circuit once more. But she views the sport in a different light. “As long as it goes well, and I'm happy and healthy playing, I'd rather win the championships in doubles than playing one or two matches in the singles,” she recently stated at Indian Wells.

In March, when Hingis and Mirza first partnered, there was no long-term commitment guaranteed. Hingis stated that the future would depend on the success of the duo. However, after three tournament championships, it is a safe bet that the pair will continue together for the foreseeable future. Hingis has risen to the world No. 4 doubles player with Mirza alongside.

In retrospect, it was an amazing early run as a professional for the Feusisberg, Switzerland resident who found Hall of Fame-level success prior to reaching her 20th birthday. With so many players now choosing to play competitively on the collegiate level prior to joining the tour, it may be some time before her feats are duplicated by someone of a similar age. And although she was bitten by adversity and difficulties at a young age, Hingis overcame them and found achievement once again in her 30s. Judging by her results, she is showing no signs of stopping now. Hingis serves as a great example of someone who endured bumps in the road during her journey but came out on the other side with a renewed competitive spirit and new perspective on the game that she loves. The sky appears to be the limit for the former singles champion who is now achieving success as a doubles specialist. The body of work continues to grow for the 2013 inductee to the International Tennis Hall of Fame.