American Serena Williams (picture) thrashed Russia's Dinara Safina 6-0 6-3 on Saturday to win the Australian Open title and reclaim the world number one ranking.

Williams raced to victory in just 59 minutes to capture her fourth singles title at Melbourne Park, after her previous wins in 2003, 2005 and 2007, and her 10th grand slam overall.

Safina, playing in just her second major final, won just eight points in the first set. She broke second seed Williams at the start of the second set and twice held her own serve but was unable to prevent Williams from wrapping up a lopsided victory.

Williams, who also claimed the top ranking in September after triumphing at the 2008 U.S. Open, will replace Serbia's Jelena Jankovic as the world number one when the new standings are released on Monday.

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