- Rome Masters
Williams steamrolls limping Errani
The last two times Serena Williams won the Rome Masters, she went on to triumph at the French Open.
And the world No.1 gave herself the best possible omen heading to Roland Garros next week as she steamrolled Sara Errani 6-3 6-0 to successfully defend her title.
Errani, bidding to become the first Italian to win the tournament in nearly 30 years, fought back from 3-0 down in the opening set, but then appeared to tweak something.
She called for her trainer and valiantly played on with her left thigh heavily bandaged - but from that point on she was never going to trouble Williams.
"I'm sorry," said Errani, fighting back the tears. "I do it all for the fans and I'll do better next year.
"But it's been an amazing week."
Williams - who herself suffered injury problems at last week's Madrid Open - took to the microphone and, speaking in Italian, added: "I'm so sorry for Sara. She played so well all week and I hope she's okay for Roland Garros.
"I would like to say thank you to my team for keeping my body in shape and thank you to the fans for another incredible tournament."