Serena Williams has targeted a win at the French Open this year after beating Maria Sharapova this afternoon to win the Madrid Masters title.

Williams came through 6-1 6-4 against Sharapova and has just one more tournament - the Rome Masters - before beginning her Rolland Garros campaign.

She says that the courts in Rome are more similar to the French clay, which will help her preparation.

"It definitely plays more like Rolland Garros, so I think that's a plus," Williams told Reuters.

"It's a little slower than last year and plays more like a true clay court, so I think it's great preparation.

"It's the ultimate challenge [to win the French Open]. Whether I can reach it, I don't know. I'm not going to put that pressure on myself. I wanted it last year and didn't get it."

The victory in Madrid is the 50th singles title of Williams's career and means that she continues as the world number one.