Mauresmo finally broke her Grand Slam hoodoo in 2006

The French favourite won her first Grand Slam title at the Australian Open at the beginning of last season and then added the Wimbledon title in July.

Among other players to be given awards by the poll of tennis journalists were Martina Hingis and Jelena Jankovic.

Swiss star Hingis won comeback player of the year and Serbian Jankovic was voted most improved player.

Mauresmo, who is currently recovering from an appendectomy, also won in Paris and Antwerp and was ranked number one for 34 weeks in a row.

606: DEBATE I really admire Amelie for what she achieved last year, but this cannot seriously be true SB

Former world number one Hingis returned from a three-year lay-off to win twice in 2006 and climb to seventh in the rankings.

Jankovic lost 10 of her first 11 matches before rallying to end the year with a 44-17 record and a run to the US Open semi-finals.

American Lisa Raymond and Australian Samantha Stosur repeated as WTA doubles team of the year. They won 10 titles in 2006, including a French Open crown.