Nathalie Dechy won her first WTA title at the Uncle Toby’s Hardcourt Tournament in Gold Coast, Australia. Dechy, who will celebrate her 24^th birthday on February 21, reached her career highest ranking in April 2000 at #20.

To get herself a spot in the final Dechy had to beat Russian hardhitter Elena Bovina. The fourth seeded Bovina was beaten 6-4, 3-6, 7-5 although the tall Russian did play with a strained left thigh that she injured in her previous match against Italian Garbin in the quarters.

Dechy’s opponent in the final, the 18 year-old Swiss Marie-Gaianeh Mikaelian, had to beat the number one seed Patty Schnyder to reach her final. Mikaelian, who is ranked at # 44, did beat the # 15 ranked fellow Swiss Schnyder 6-4, 6-2.

Martina Navratilova, who teamed up with 17 years-old Russian Svetlana Kuznetsova, won her 167^th doubles title. They were up against the French duo Nathalie Dechy and Emilie Loit, who had to face a 6-4, 6-4 defeat against the 46 year-old legendary American who will be playing at the Australian Open as well. “We’re now on a good note for the Australian Open, we can do some damage”, Navratilova said. Commenting on her age she said: “Age is just a number”.