Molik Makes Her Move
 
 
DARWIN, Australia - Former world No.8 Alicia Molik has made a successful return to singles, winning an ITF Pro Circuit event in Darwin in Australia's steamy Northern Territory on the weekend. Although the 28-year-old needed a wildcard to make the field at the $25,000 NT International she was impressive all week, ending with defeat of fellow Aussie Sally Peers in the final, 63 64.
 

"I couldn't be happier today," said Molik, who played doubles at New Haven and the US Open with Meghann Shaughnessy after nearly a year away from the sport. "My opponent certainly made things a little difficult for me in the second set and I made a few things difficult for myself but all in all I was very happy to get out of that second set.
 

"I didn't serve as well as yesterday but look it's been a long time since I've been in a final and I came up trumps so I have to be pretty happy."
 

The Darwin win represents Molik's eleventh ITF singles title, but first since 2001. In the intervening period she has won two Grand Slam doubles titles (2005 Australian Open and 2007 Roland Garros), five Sony Ericsson WTA Tour singles titles (most recently at Sydney in 2005) and five Tour doubles trophies, in addition to the two majors.

 
Molik won't have too much time to celebrate, though. This week she is contesting another ITF event, again in Darwin, before following the circuit to South Australia, Western Australia and Victoria. That schedule will take her up to the Christmas break, with an assault on the Tour's January swing Down Under a natural next step.