Serena Williams believes her WTA Masters Series victory over Justine Henin in Rome on Sunday has proved a few of her critics wrong.

The 20-year-old claimed her third title of the season with a 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 victory over the Belgian in a thrilling encounter.

It was Williams' first clay court title, moving her up to third in the WTA world rankings, and perfect preparation for the French Open at Roland Garros which starts in eight days time.

"It is pretty important for me because a lot of people insist that I am not a clay court player, although I am," she said.

"It makes me feel really good, especially going into Roland Garros. I am definitely looking forward to doing well there."

And on this evidence there is no reason why she cannot win the year's second grand slam.

Williams showed determination, spirit and courage to claim the win, overcoming thigh and ankle problems which caused her obvious distress throughout the contest.

After some treatment from her physio at 3-3, she produced a typically powerful display to take the first set 8-6 in the tie-break.

Henin, who had her left thigh taped up, battled hard to her credit, and was always in contention.

But three breaks of serve in a row handed Williams the chance to serve out for the title at 5-4, which she duly did.

Her sights are now on Paris and claiming her second major success to go with her win at the 1999 US Open.

She added: "I just consider myself as a competitor. And when I go out there I compete and from the first round to hopefully the final round.

"I never try to get that far ahead because normally, you get so excited, and I can't allow that to happen.

"I'm just staying focused and hopefully I'll just be as fortunate as I was this week in Roland Garros. That's my goal. And hopefully I'll be able to reach my goal."

As for Henin, she had plenty of praise for her opponent's display today, a week after she beat Williams at the German Open final in Berlin.

Henin said: "I think that she played the better match today because she didn't make a lot of mistakes. She was really aggressive and played a great match.

"It was a tough match and she is a great player, a great champion. Today, she was simply better than me."