Serena Williams continued her mastery on the clay as she blasted Johanna Larsson 6-4, 6-1 in the final of the Swedish Open to capture her 53 WTA career singles title, which puts her in a tie with tennis legend Monica Seles for the 9th most WTA championships in the Open Era.
Williams successfully bounced back from her fourth-round exit at the Wimbledon Open, eliminating every opponent coming on her way without dropping a single set in the International Series event of the WTA Tour.
But it wasn't a walk in the park for Williams in the championship round as she faced a stiff challenge from the 24-year old Larsson.
Coming off a morale-boosting three-set win against veteran Flavia Pennetta, Larsson came out on fire early and took a surprising 3-1 lead over the reigning French Open champion. However, Williams responded in a big way as she racked up six of the last seven games to take the opening set.
From there, Williams took control of the match and battered Larsson with her power serves and bludgeoning forehand returns.
"It was really good to come here and win after a disappointing Wimbledon so hopefully this confidence will help me for the rest of the year," Williams said via ESPN after winning her 28th straight win on clay this year.
Williams, who still ranks on top of the WTA world ranking despite her Wimbledon hiccup, will now focus on the upcoming hard court season and then the US Open Championship, where she guns for second straight win and fifth title overall in Queens, New York.
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