Serena Williams, the world’s number one tennis player beat fellow American, Madison Keys 7-6 (7-5) 6-3 to triumph in Rome for the fourth time since 2002.
Williams, 34, last won a title in Cincinnati in August, and has since lost finals at the US Open, Australian Open and Indian Wells.
But at the Italian Open, Serena took control with a wicked cross-court forehand that Keys couldn’t get back then closed it out on her first set point with a big serve out wide that Keys returned long.
After taking the first set, Serena pumped her fists and yelled to herself, “Come on!”
In the second set, Serena’s only real trouble came when she was broken while serving for the match at 5-2. But she quickly ended it the next game, concluding the tournament without dropping a set.
MUST READ: The Making of Serena Williams, Where It All Started
“It feels great,” Williams said of finally winning her 70th career title after nine months without a win.
“You do want to play the No. 1 — you do want to beat them,” Williams said to CNN of her future opponents’ mindsets. “I know I did — but I am ready for that. I am ready for anyone every time.”
She will begin the defense of her French Open title when the tournament gets under way in early June 2016.
Williams’ victory in France would be one for the record books. She would match the great Steffi Graf for most…
…Grand Slam singles titles ever at 22 — a feat that would be awesome fuel and energy just weeks before Wimbledon.
Williams insisted to CNN that she “loves the clay” surface she’ll be competing on in the coming days — and she’s acted like it as of late, winning two of the last three French Open titles.
After a roller-coaster year that featured historic highs and gut-punching lows, a family reunion speaks to her returning home — to the affection she’s had for the sport for decades and her desire to embrace that uncomplicated love for the game.
Throughout her career, Serena has endured criticism, shaming, injury and family issues, but has still managed to rise to the top. It’s no doubt that the world will be watching this year as well, as Serena looks to cement the Williams name in history books once again.
Go ‘head Serena!
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