2005 NEWS

A HIT WITH MARTINA HINGIS, December 2005

On the 10 December, 2005, Maria found herself having a hit with Martina Hingis in front of a capacity crowd on Copacabana Beach and thoroughly enjoying the impromptu challenge.

Maria was in Rio de Janeiro to conduct clinics for the event sponsors while Martina was there to play Anna Kournikova in an evening exhibition match.

When Anna was forced to retire after a whitewash first set because of blisters on her hand, Martina invited Maria out of the stands to help entertain the spectators.

(Photos by Netscape Sports - Photo Search)

GROUP CLINICS FOR THE KIDS

Kids of all ages love her!

Can you pick Maria out in this group?

Its just one of the many groups of youngsters that she has helped introduce to the game in her home town of Sâo Paolo and all around Brazil.

SAUIPE BRAZILIAN OPEN, February 2005

Here on the left she is explaining the finer points of the game to some of the many VIPs who attended the Brazilian Open, Costa do Sauipe in February.

When she wasn't on court conducting teaching clinics she could be found giving a series of media interviews.

There's a video of Maria hitting on the website, click on the link > Maria Esther Jogo...