Serena Williams defeated Patty Schnyder 7-5 6-3 in the Bangalore Open final on Sunday for her first title of the season.
American world No.11 Williams was inconsistent for the most part but drew from her wealth of experience to edge out Swiss world No.12 Schnyder in 83 minutes and win 29th career WTA Tour singles title.
The Bangalore Open was Serena’s second tournament of the season. After reaching the Australian Open quarterfinals, where she lost to Jelena Jankovic, Williams skipped tournaments in February to recover from gum surgery.
On the way to the title, third-seeded Serena beat Tzipora Obziler, Anastasia Rodionova, sister Venus Williams, and finally fourth-seeded Patty Schnyder. Winning the Bangalore Open, the 26-year-old Williams earned $95,500
The next tournament Serena Williams will play is the Sony Ericsson Open in Miami which starts March 24. The American is defending champion there, in last year’s final she beat Justine Henin.
