The American closed in on sister Venus (43) and Kim Clijsters (41) after reaching the milestone with a 6-0 6-1 win - her first of 2012 - that could not have been more fitting in the tournament's 40th year.

She had started Sunday's showdown on the green clay as strong favourite after a 58-minute thrashing of Sam Stosur in the semi-final and continued her hot streak by winning the first nine games.

Safarova, who arrived in form herself after a double-bagel win over Polona Hercog, grinned broadly at she finally got on the board in the next with a hold to love.

But Williams took her next chance to grab a decisive break - aided by a double-fault from the Czech - and when Safarova lashed wide, an ace finished the job in style.

"She was amazing," said Safarova, who has now lost all five matches against Williams. "She deserves to be the champion."