Canadian qualifier Aleksandra Wozniak captured her first career title by defeating sixth seed Marion Bartoli of France 7-5, 6-3 in the final of the Stanford Classic on Sunday.
Wozniak became the first Canadian woman to win a title since 1988.
"I believed in myself, but I never thought I would win the tournament," said Wozniak.
"I surprised myself and I'm so proud of what I accomplished. Going through the qualifying and playing eight matches isn't easy."
Bartoli, who saw off Anna Chakvetadze in the quarter-finals and Ai Sugiyama in the semis, started well and had the chance to serve the first set out after breaking Wozniak to 5-4.
However, the 20-year-old Canadian ripped two stunning backhand winners to break right back before going on to take the set 7-5.
Bartoli needed a medical timeout down 2-1 in the second set for a left hip injury and was clearly hampered in her movement the rest of the way.
Bartoli said she felt pain in her morning practice but it became more intense as they match went on.
"My leg was moving so slowly and I wasn't able to hit the ball like I was in the past matches," said Bartoli.
"It started to get really bad in the second, but I just wanted to finish the match so the fans could see a complete match."
Wozniak, who could rise to the top 50 in the world rankings, has her sights set on going even higher.
"I can definitely be top 10," she said
"Everyone has their time when they feel more mature and learn to control their emotions when they play the big champions. The quicker you believe in yourself, the more success comes."
