Serena Williams beat Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-2, to win the Beijing Open and maintain her excellent 2013 form.
Williams appeared in pain after serving an ace in the third game of the second set when Jankovic broke for the first and the last time.
However, it was the Serb who had to take a medical time out for a hip problem in the course of the final.
Eighth seed Jankovic then lost the next five games as Williams, who earlier in the year won the French and the US Open, captured her 10th title of the season.
“I’m really excited- I didn’t think I’d win this tournament,” the 32-year-old American said.
“Congratulations to Jelena for such a great tournament as well.
“I really love tennis so much and it’s fans like the ones in China who are so exciting to come to. The fans make me want to play, and they’re so great here, so coming here is such a great opportunity.”