Serena Williams won her fourth consecutive title for 2013, disposing of third-seeded Victoria Azarenka 6-1, 6-3, in the Italian Open Women's final, yesterday.
Williams enters next Sunday's French Open as the top American seed as well as riding a career-best 24-match winning streak.
"I moved better than I did all week," said the 15-time tennis Grand Slam winner, after the tournament. "Hopefully I can stay like this. I feel really good."
Williams did not drop a single set in winning the Italian Open, taking control early, breaking Azarenka's serve twice, to take a 3-0 lead in the opening set.
Azarenka's showed flashes of frustrations, at the end of the first set, slamming her racket on the court.
After trading breaks midway through the second set, Azarenka double-faulted, giving Williams a 5-3.
"She definitely showed incredible tennis today," said Azarenka. "But I don't think the score says how close the match was. She was better at the key moments."
This is the second time Williams' career has recorded 21 matches victories in a row, having accomplished the feet in 2002 and in 2003.
Williams is back in the top spot, of women's tennis, after missing 11 months with a right foot injury and a pulmonary embolism.
The Italian Open marks the 51st title Williams has earned in her career, moving within two titles of matching Monica Seles, for ninth on the all-time list.
Williams is looking forward to taking her hot streak into Roland Garros, hoping for a better performance than last year's opening round exit, falling at the hands of Virginie Razzone of France.
"The lady in the mirror is the ultimate opponent for me," said Williams, looking ahead at the French Open. "I'm going to try and win every match and be really cautious going for every point."
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