Fifth seed Justine Henin claimed the German Open after a hard-fought three-set victory over Serena Williams.

The Belgian won the first set before the fourth-seeded American stormed back to level it at one-set-all.

The third and final set went all the way before Henin clinched it in the tie-break to complete a 6-2 1-6 7-6 (7/5) victory.

It is Henin's fifth WTA Tour title and continues her preparation for the French Open which starts at Roland Garros on May 27.

World number eight Henin looked composed and measured as she took the opening set 6-2.

Clearly disappointed with her efforts, Williams upped her game in the second set and strolled to a 6-1 win with a fine exhibition of pace and power.

Henin built a 4-2 lead in the third and was still leading 6-5 when her first chance to clinch the match arrived.

But Williams fought back to fend off two match points and force the match into a final set tie-break.

Henin finally closed out the match after two hours 17 minutes with a delicate drop shot to claim her first WTA title of the season.

A delighted Henin said: "Today was a great match and a great victory especially winning with a tie break in the third.

"Serena played so well in the second set, she didn't give me a chance to play my game.

"In the third set, I tried to focus on what I had to do not on what she was doing. But it's difficult because she hits the ball really hard.

"But in the end, I believed I could do it."

Williams was denied her third crown of the season, and admitted her poor success rate with first serves cost her the match.

He said: "I made some mistakes and didn't get my first serve in. It's very strenuous to play just with your second serve.

"She played some good shots and in the end I think it could've gone either way." She added: "I'm not too disappointed. I will go away from this tournament with a lot of positive and a lot of learning.

"The whole week on clay was good and I'm feeling comfortable and getting ready for Roland Garros (French Open)."