Hingis looks to end 20-year Fed Cup wait

Martina Hingis looks to reach a first Fed Cup final in almost two decades when Switzerland face Belarus with the former world number one revelling in her role as the team's "big sister".

Hingis, 36 and a five-time Grand Slam singles champion, was just 17 when she and Switzerland were defeated 3-2 by Spain in 1998 final.

Hingis won both her singles rubbers in that tie but lost the key doubles alongside Patty Schnyder.

Since then, she has retired and made two comebacks, carving out a successful career as a doubles specialist, even managing to claim a silver medal alongside compatriot Timea Bacsinszky at the Rio Olympics last year.

Hingis will play just doubles in Minsk on Sunday although that could prove a decisive mission against a Belarus squad who are making their semi-final debut.

"In the Fed Cup, I am like the big sister now," admitted Hingis. "My role is different these days but we are a strong team with a great spirit."

Switzerland made the semi-finals by defeating two-time champions France while Belarus shocked the Netherlands despite the continued absence of former world number one

Victoria Azarenka who has taken a break from the sport after giving birth to her first child.