Serena Williams beats compatriot Madison Keys in Rome to win Italian Open

Serena Williams ended her winless streak to win her first trophy of 2016, beating fellow American Madison Keys in the Italian Open.

The world number one eased past her 21-year-old opponent in straight sets, 7-6 (7-5) 6-3, with her experience playing a key role.

While Williams went into her 89th final, Keys headed into just her second.

The latter did test her decorated compatriot, matching – if not bettering – her for power, and this didn't go unnoticed as Williams said after her win, "You’re a future no. 1 for sure."

Before Sunday's victory in Rome, Williams' last triumph came in Cincinnati last August - and she is now predictably the favourite for the French Open, despite not looking to be at her best, which gets underway in a week's time.