Parmentier wins second title of career to Czech

In Bad Gastein, Austria, rain messed up the schedule of the week, but that didn't stop the final being played on Sunday. It was a fabulous week for Frenchwoman Pauline Parmentier, as she claimed her second and biggest title of her career at the Gastein Ladies.

Parmentier, ranked No. 53 and seeded fourth here, was pushing everyone aside to get to the final, including a 75 46 64 win over Anna-Lena Groenefeld in the second round and a 76(3) 63 decision against last year's finalist Yvonne Meusburger in the quarterfinals, a match in which she not only fought the Austrian but all of her home supporters as well. Parmentier now found herself in the semifinals against No.1 seed Szavay and she was in top form, crushing her huge topspin forehand to perfection during a 64 62 win. The win over the world No.14 was her first Top 20 win.

Meanwhile, in the bottom half of the draw, qualifier Lucie Hradecka had emerged as the finalist. No.2 seed Cornet had retired from her opening match due to a stomach illness and No.3 seed Wozniacki lost her second match. Hradecka had taken out one seed (No.5 seed Timea Bacsinszky) en route to her first career singles final on the Tour, in fact her first time even reaching the quarterfinals.

Parmentier was the more better and experienced player, so more people had high hopes for her. But Hradecka was at her best level in tennis, and it could've been an upset in the final. But it wasn't. Parmentier was too strong for Lucie and won the Championship match in straight sets 64 64.

"I am very happy today, it was a perfect week," Parmentier said. "It was a very difficult week because of all of the rain, and because of the rain I had to play two matches yesterday, but when you have a tougher week like this, the victory is much bigger. Now I will enjoy two weeks of holiday. I just need to relax."

"Of course I am a little disappointed about today's singles match," she said. "I was 4-1 up and managed to lose the set. But Pauline played very well, especially on the important points. And for me this is still an unbelievable week. I reached the final in singles and doubles too, which is amazing."