Former world number one Martina Hingis' first comeback tournament ended in the semi-finals when she was beaten by fourth seed Flavia Pennetta 1-6, 7-6, 6-2 at the Australian hardcourt championships on Friday.

Hingis, who retired in 2002 with foot and ankle injuries, had showed glimpses of the skills that took her to five grand slam titles during the Gold Coast tournament, but could not overcome the Italian world number 23 despite romping to the first set.

Pennetta will now meet Lucie Safarova in the final after the Czech teenager beat third-seeded Dinara Safina 6-4, 6-2 in the earlier semi-final.