France's Amelie Mauresmo, widely considered the most talented woman in tennis never to have won a Grand Slam, believes she showed the qualities of a champion to win the WTA Masters last weekend.
The world number three, who has a reputation for choking on big occasions, won the most prestigious title of her career so far by fighting back from a set down to beat compatriot Mary Pierce in a tense three-set battle in Los Angeles.
"Mary and I were really close," Mauresmo told sports daily L'Equipe on Tuesday. "There was an incredible tension. I really believe we played one of the best games played in 2005."
"I reacted like a champion," she added. "It might seem pretentious to say so, but I'm not afraid to say it."
France Fed Cup team captain Georges Goven said Mauresmo had made a big step forward by winning what he considers virtually a fifth grand slam event. "It's an important step in her career," he said.
Mauresmo, however, does not want to think too far ahead.
"Before I think of 2006, I'm going to enjoy this victory and take a two-week break," she said. "Then I'll get back to work and think of 2006."