Nathalie Dechy wins one out of two finals

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”.