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Williams beats Keys in Italian Open final

Serena Williams beat Madison Keys in straight sets to win the Italian Open - her first WTA title in nine months.

The world number one beat her fellow American 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.

She will begin the defence of her French Open title when the tournament gets under way next Sunday.

Experience tells in all-American clash

Serena Williams
Williams' biggest error of the afternoon came when she almost dropped the trophy - but she just held on

Williams showed the value of experience as she claimed her 70th career title in her 89th final - with Keys playing only her second.