Singapore: Agnieszka Radwanska said her surprise win at the WTA Finals could be just the confidence boost she needs as she seeks to end her search for a maiden Grand Slam title next year.
The Pole said her first WTA Finals victory was "a good start" in what will be a quest to emulate Amelie Mauresmo, who won her two Slam titles after claiming the year-end trophy in 2005.
Radwanska, who will now rise to world number five, beat Petra Kvitova 6-2, 4-6, 6-3 in the final after downing top seed Simona Halep and Garbine Muguruza earlier in the eight-player tournament.
"Well, for sure (it will) give me more confidence, especially that in a Grand Slam you also to have win and beat couple of top players in a row," Radwanska said.
"I think here it's even harder because it's just eight of us and you don't have any first rounds to used to the courts. But definitely a good start. I'll definitely try to do that (win a Grand Slam title) next year."
Radwanska has long been among the elite women's players without breaking through at the major tournaments, coming closest at Wimbledon in 2012 when she was runner-up to Serena Williams.
But she is now into a different league with Sunday's victory, the 17th and biggest of her career which earns her a $2.05 million payday and pushes her lifetime prize money over $21 million.
"Well, I think for sure I'm going to celebrate tonight with my team who are of course I think even more tired than I do watching all my drama matches," Radwanska said.
"But then I think I deserve for some shopping as well, so I definitely do that. And the rest (of the money) I think just keep for myself."
Shot-making Radwanska is dubbed 'La Profesora' for her reading of the game, and among her admirers is Mauresmo-coached Andy Murray, who has reportedly delayed press conferences to watch her play.
"I think this is a big respect, so I just have to appreciate it. It's always very nice compliments when I can hear that my tennis is smart or very entertaining," said the 26-year-old.
Radwanska can expect more compliments after a WTA Finals victory which looked unlikely when she struggled early in the season and only qualified for the tournament a week before it started.
"Doesn't matter how you start, matters how you end," she said.