By Staff Reporter (staff@latinospost.com) | First Posted: Jun 08, 2013 04:25 PM EDT

Serena Williams defeated defending French Open champion, Maria Sharapova, 6-4, 6-4, winning her first title at Roland Garros since 2002.

"Eleven years," the top-ranked player in the world during her, in French, during the trophy ceremony. "I think it's unbelievable. Now I have 16 Grand Slam titles. It's difficult for me to speak because I'm so excited."

Since losing to 111th-ranked Virginie Razzano, during the last year's French Open opening round, Williams has gone 74-3, including a 31 match win streak and taking home trophys at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, the WTA Championships and a gold medal at the London Olympics

At 31, she also becomes the oldest woman to win a major title since Martina Navratilova did at Wimbledon in 1990 at age 33.

Sharapova, who completed a career Grand Slam winning in Paris last year, has struggled against Williams, having lost their her 13 meetings against the American player.

Sharapova started strong, matching Williams aggression from the baseline throughout their match, but Williams' serve and defense proved to be too much for the Russian tennis player.

"I played a great tournament and I ran into a really tough champion today," said Sharapova. "She's been playing so well throughout the year and throughout the tournament. Congratulations to her. This court has brought me so many nice memories - last year was so special. I'll be back next year to try to win again."

 

Williams would also like to cross paths with Sharapova in next years finals.

"She played a beautiful final," Williams said in French. "She's a great champion. I hope to be with her again next year." "I love Paris, I spend a lot of time here. I live here. I practice here. I think I am a Parisian."