Jennifer Capriati battled back from the brink of defeat to save four match points and stun Martina Hingis 4-6 7-6 6-2 in the final of the Australian Open today.
The American top seed had trailed a set and 4-0 and had looked to be finished in the scorching 35-degree temperature at Melbourne Park, before bouncing back to win her third grand slam title in 12 months.
"I really didn't know if I was going to make it today Martina, you are as great champion," Capriati said.
"Even though I have won it twice it will take a while to reach your status."
Capriati turned the match on its head with some power hitting as Hingis _ in her sixth straight final here _ wilted in the heat in a repeat of last year's final.
The Swiss could barely hit a ball over the net as the match drew to a close.
Hingis last won a grand slam when she completed a trio of Open crowns in 1999 and has now gone 12 majors without winning a title.
As Capriati raised her arms in the air and waved to the crowd, Hingis returned to her seat at the side of the court where she slumped, inconsolable.
Hingis wiped tears from her face as president of Tennis Australia Geoff Pollard congratulated her.
Red-eyed and teary she collected her runners-up prize and said: "Today I think I am overwhelmed with feelings.
"Jennifer was just good for me here...I think once again I had a great time here. I had a tough two months. I came back from surgery and exceeded my expectations. I don't know whether to be pleased or cry about it."