LONDON, July 8 (UPI) -- France's Amelie Mauresmo took the most coveted title in tennis Saturday, winning the women's crown in the 2006 Wimbledon Championship.
The victory made her the toast of Paris and France, at least until her countrymen face Italy in the World Cup final in Berlin Sunday.
Mauresmo played a serve-and-volley game on the grass surface of Center Court to come from behind and down Belgian Justine Henin-Hardenne 2-6, 6-3, 6-4.
Mauresmo became the first Frenchwoman to win Wimbledon since Suzanne Lenglen captured the last of her six titles in 1925.
For her part, Henin-Hardenne was trying to become just the 10th woman to complete a career grand slam with wins in all four of the top championships.
It was the Belgian who looked masterful in the first set, going for the kill early on points and keeping Mauresmo on the defensive. Henin-Hardenne broke Mauresmo's first service game.
The Frenchwoman came roaring back in the second set, winning the first 10 points.
Mauresmo also took an early service break in the third set.
Mauresmo takes home $1.158 million for the victory. Henin-Hardenne's payday isn't bad, either -- $579,000.
