Mauresmo holds nerve to win Wimbledon title

LONDON, July 8 (Reuters) Amelie Mauresmo won an emotional first Wimbledon singles title today, recovering from a torrid start to beat Justine Henin-Hardenne 2-6 6-3 6-4.

The world number one, who also took this year's Australian Open when a sick Henin-Hardenne retired, is the first Frenchwoman to win here since Suzanne Lenglen in 1925.

Mauresmo, three-times a losing semi-finalist here, proved wrong those who said her nerve would fail her, playing some dazzling tennis to win two hours two minutes.

At the conclusion she sunk to her knees, overcome with joy.

''It feels great. I had a great two weeks,'' Mauresmo said courtside after being presented with the Venus Rosewater Dish.

''I definitely wanted this win today. I don't want anyone to talk about my nerves anymore.

''It's a great moment for me, this trophy is so special in the world of tennis. I'm very very proud.'' Defeat denied Henin-Hardenne the only grand slam title missing from her collection.

The Belgian had come out firing on all cylinders on a sunlit Centre Court to blaze through the first set in just 31 minutes.

The third seed, a runner-up here five years ago, seized control when she broke an edgy Mauresmo in first game of the match with a flowing volley.

Triple French Open champion Henin-Hardenne dominated the early rallies from the forecourt, striking the ball cleanly and punching away winners as Mauresmo was given a baptism of fire in her first Wimbledon singles final.

The top seed settled her nerves with a sweet drop volley to get off the mark and the 27-year-old had a chance to break back when trailing 3-2 but Henin-Hardenne snuffed out the opportunity with a simple volley.

NATURAL FLAIR Mauresmo, who won her first grand slam title at this year's Australian Open when Henin-Hardenne retired in the final with illness, continued to look second best and was broken again to fall behind 5-2.

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