Serena Williams prevails at 2011 Bank of the West Classic

Former world number one Serena Williams won the 2011 Bank of the West Classic after beating France’s Marion Bartoli 7-5, 6-1. This was only her third tournament of the season after a long injury break.

“Coming back and hearing the claps when I walk out there are moments that I truly missed,” Williams said.

“It’s so awesome to be back and to be a part of those moments. Not everyone can be a sports, I don’t know if `star’ sounds full of myself, but I’ve worked hard for that title,” she added.
At the 2011 Wimbledon, Bartoli edged past Williams in the fourth round. After failing to defend the grasscourt Slam, Williams’ ranking plummeted out of the world’s top 100. She entered the tournament ranked 169th. The tournament victory means that she’s back in the world’s top 80.