Cornet claims Bad Gastein title

Bad Gastein, Austria – Alize Cornet of France beat Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium in Sunday's title match at the Gastein Ladies tennis event.

The seventh-seeded Cornet defeated Wickmayer, the No. 2 seed, 7-5, 7-6 (7-1) to capture her second career title, and first since Budapest in 2008.

Cornet improved to 2-3 in career title matches. This was her second final of 2012. She lost to Francesca Schiavone in the Strasbourg final just before the French Open.

"It has been four years I haven't won a singles title, so it's just happiness now. I'm so happy," Cornet said. "It's been a super week. I really love this tournament. I love the people here and I feel everybody loves me as well. I'm not Austrian, but I feel like I'm Austrian when I'm here. It's my favorite tournament.

"What more can I ask for than winning it?"

Wickmayer also was playing in her second title match of the season. She lost to Mona Barthel in the Hobart final back in January. The Belgian fell to 3-5 all-time in finals. Her last tournament victory came in Auckland two years ago.

The 22-year-old women had met just once previously, with Wickmayer claiming a 7-5, 7-6 (8-6) victory three years ago in Luxembourg.

"It was a good week - I'm disappointed not to win, but she was better than me today and I just have to accept it and play better next time," Wickmayer said. "I'm excited to move onto grass now and hopefully I keep playing well."

Cornet took home $37,000.