Mauresmo has now won three titles in six Paris Open finals

Amelie Mauresmo thrilled her home crowd and gave notice that she remains a threat at the top of the game with victory at the Paris Open on Sunday.

The Frenchwoman, 29, beat Olympic champion Elena Dementieva of Russia 7-6 (9-7) 2-6 6-4 in two hours 38 minutes.

It is the third title for Mauresmo in Paris, and her first anywhere since she won in Antwerp two years ago.

The former world number one, Wimbledon and Australian Open champion has slipped to 24th in the world rankings.

"I have had hard times," said Mauresmo, who had spoken of retirement when struggling last year.

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"My goal was to win a tournament this year.

"The first set was very tough physically. In the second, I did not panic, I was not stressed at all. I knew I had what it takes to win this match."

Dementieva, 27, lost for just the second time in 2009, having won tournaments in Auckland and Sydney before losing to eventual champion Serena Williams in the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

"I missed some opportunities in the first set, but I don't know if it changed anything in the game because Amelie played really well," said the Russian.

"I'm really glad for her because she's had to go through some difficult times with all her injuries."

World number one Serena Williams pulled out with a knee injury ahead of Saturday's semi-final against Dementieva, before Mauresmo beat second seed Jelena Jankovic in the second semi.

Asked if she could ever see herself returning to the top of the rankings, Mauresmo said: "The standings do not matter. What I want are moments like this one.

"Physically, I am not what I used to be, so even if I am 30th in the world and can win tournaments like this, it's fine by me."

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