Serena strolls to eighth Miami Open title

Serena Williams won her eighth Miami Open title with little trouble, enjoying a 6-2, 6-0 win over Spain’s Carla Suarez Navarro in just 56 minutes.

The victory was the world number one’s third consecutive title at Miami and she becomes just the fourth woman in the open-era to win the same tournament eight times, joining Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert and Steffi Graf.

“It feels really good to have eight under my belt. I can’t say I thought I would win eight, especially in the beginning of the week,” Williams said.

The American had to pull out of Indian Wells before her semi-final due to a knee injury and there had been doubt over her participation at Miami.

The American, a 19-times grand slam champion, produced some magnificent winners, 27 in all, and her powerful serve delivered seven aces.

The win also extended Williams’ winning streak at premier mandatory level matches to 46.

The most titles won at a single event is 12 by Navratilova at Chicago but Williams, 33, appeared horrified at the suggestion she might manage four more in Miami.