Stanford, CA – Wimbledon champion Serena Williams captured her second consecutive Bank of the West Classic title on Sunday with a straight-set victory over fellow American Coco Vandeweghe.
Williams, the No. 1 seed, defeated lucky-loser Vandeweghe 7-5, 6-3 on the hardcourts at Stanford's Taube Family Tennis Stadium.
"I think Coco played really well. She has a strong, solid game. I knew today's match was going to be tougher because she is such a solid player," said Williams, who beat Marion Bartoli of France in last year's final.
"I think I played well enough to win, for sure. Obviously, I could do a lot better and play stronger. But also there were a lot of positives from that match," said Williams. "I was fighting out there and I really wanted it ... I definitely survived, because I didn't play my greatest this week. I do think that mentally, I was there."
Williams recorded her 43rd career singles title, which ties her with her sister, Venus, for the most among active players.
Vandeweghe, who is the niece of former NBA player, head coach and general manager Kiki Vandeweghe, appeared in her first career final.
"There's a lot to think about," she said. "There's happiness, because I made the final. There's also disappointment, because I lost. So there are a lot of things going through my mind right now. I just have to put it on the back burner, and get ready for my next challenge in San Diego next week."
Williams earned $96,000 for the win.
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