Former world number one Serena Williams surged past Marion Bartoli 7-5, 6-1 late Sunday to win the WTA Stanford crown, her first title in more than a year, signalling her US Open intentions.

Williams, a 13-time Grand Slam champion who is battling to rebuild her ranking after an injury lay-off of almost a year, claimed her first title since Wimbledon 2010.

“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.”

The American was twice down a break in the opening set, but broke Bartoli as the French third seed served for the set at 5-4.

That launched a roll of eight straight games to the American as she pocketed the first set and took a 5-0 lead in the second. After Bartoli held serve for 5-1, Williams served out the match after one hour and 22 minutes.

With the victory Williams avenged her fourth-round loss to Bartoli at Wimbledon and showed that even though her ranking has plummeted she could be a contender at the last Grand Slam of the year, the US Open that starts on August 29.

Williams has already elected to use an injury-protected ranking to gain entry to the US Open main draw.

With her win in Stanford, she’ll boost her ranking from 169th in the world into the top 80.