Serena Williams has won the 69th singles title of her career by winning the Cincinnati Masters, beating Simona Halep in the final in one hour and nine minutes. The win moves Williams up to fifth place on the all-time list, above former Australian player Evonne Goolagong.
Halep broke serve in the opening game of the match, but Wimbledon champion Williams fought back and won five games in a row to take the first set 6-3. In the second set, Halep once again threatened on the Williams serve and set up three break points in the first game.
But Williams was able to hold serve and then put her opponent on the back foot. The pair traded breaks, with Halep pushing the match into a tie-break, but ultimately Williams was too strong, winning 7-5 in the breaker.
Williams is in a strong position to retain the U.S. Open which she won for the sixth time last year, and with it complete the calendar grand slam. By making the final, Halep ensures she is seeded in second place for the years final Grand Slam.