After coming up short last year against Victoria Azarenka, Serena Williams can finally claim a Cincinnati Masters title to her name.

The World no. 1 cruised past Ana Ivanovic in straight sets 6-4 6-1 at the Western and Southern Open on Sunday, capturing her first Cincinnati Masters championship

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The 17-time Grand Slam champion started out slow and fell behind 1-3 with an Ivanovic break. The ninth-seeded Ivanovic had three opportunities to extend her lead but Williams rallied five straight points to hold at 2-3.

Williams, who won the Bank of the West Classics last month, got back on her feet and broke Ivanovic two more times to clinch the first set in 38 minutes.

The 26-year-old Ivanovic just couldn't return the ball back on the second set as Williams fired-off 12 aces, committed only four unforced errors and delivered six winners to win the set and the match that lasted 62 minutes.

Williams have won seven of eight encounters with Ivanovic, the only win that Ivanovic sustained was at the Australian Open early this year.

"I really felt she was really solid today," Ivanovic said. "Not only on her serve, but on the groundstrokes I felt like she was dominating."

The 32-year-old Williams takes home her fifth crown of the year and wins her 60th career title.

"I love this moment," Williams said. "I love holding up the trophy ... there is no better feeling."

Williams have not reached the quarter-finals of any of the three Grand Slam tournaments this year and hopes to defend her U.S. Open cup in Flushing Meadows, New York this coming August 25.

"This is definitely a level that can take me to the (U.S. Open) title. I still have a lot of work to do. It's definitely a better level than I've played all year, to be honest," said Williams.

TagsVictoria Azarenka, serena williams, Ana Ivanovic, U.S. Open, Flushing Meadows