Italian Rita Grande staged a remarkable fightback against American Jennifer Hopkins to claim the first title of her career at the Tasmanian international tournament.

The 25-year-old unseeded Italian was demolished 6-0 her opponent in the first set before battling back.

It was 19-year-old Hopkins' first WTA final and the lack of experience might have undermined her efforts.

Grande held on to her nerves and the second set to wrap it up 6-3.

The Italian sustained her efforts in the third set and robbed Hopkins' chances of a win by blocking her only opening to break back, eventually clinching the last set 6-3, with an ace, and a deserved victory.

Grande's only other WTA final was in Hobart two years ago when she lost to American Chanda Rubin.