Tennis-Mauresmo hungry for more success in Australia

SYDNEY, Jan 8 (Reuters) Amelie Mauresmo had always dreamed of winning a grand slam title but her breakthrough victory at last year's Australian Open left her unfulfilled.

There was no more deserving champion than Mauresmo when she hoisted the trophy above her head but the manner of her win over Justine Henin-Hardenne was tinged with regret.

Henin-Hardenne quit while trailing 6-1 2-0, citing a gastric illness, gifting a subdued Mauresmo the title she had craved for so long.

Mauresmo was gracious in victory but it was not until she beat Henin-Hardenne in the Wimbledon final six months later she understood the kind of elation she missed out on in Melbourne.

''It was disappointing not to have a match point and an end to the match, that is why Wimbledon is a little bit ahead (as a memory) for me,'' Mauresmo told reporters before the Sydney International.

''It was not a question for me at the Australian Open whether I deserved to win. I felt I really deserved the trophy. But was I robbed? Just of emotion.'' The powerfully built Frenchwoman's victory at the Australian Open erased her own doubts that she could win a grand slam and also whetted her appetite for more success.

''I want more because once you've tasted what it's like you want more,'' she said.

''It was really starting to get to my mind and I was starting to ask myself some questions like 'am I going to finish my career without a grand slam?', and it was starting to be a little bit painful.'' Mauresmo said winning two grand slam titles had changed her approach to the game and life in general. She said she was now more relaxed, though no less determined.

''The relief is really there professionally but also in my normal life,'' she said.

''I've now achieved all that I've said I would love to achieve in my career.

''It translates into my game, being a bit looser and also off the court, not being so stressed out.'' REUTERS AY VV1820