Williams claims Memphis title

Venus Williams celebrated her return to competitive action with a comprehensive victory over top seed Shahar Peer to lift the Cellular South Cup in Memphis.

Williams, who has not featured in tournament play since October, destroyed 19-year-old Peer 6-1, 6-1, an impressive result given the Israeli had lost just 19 games during her relentless march to the final and Williams' own form, by her own admission, had been mixed all week.

"I felt confident. I love a challenge. I was clear about what I needed to do and how to execute," Williams said.

The number seven seed dropped just nine service points in claiming her 34th WTA Tour title and did not face a break of serve as Peer had no answer to the American's power, though she did manage to save six of the 11 break points she faced.

She added: "It's about errors for me. I didn't make too many errors. When my opponents benefit from my largesse, it gets harder for me.

"A lot of the errors in my early matches came from a lack of footwork. I knew I had to do more and that paid off huge.

"It's very exciting to win the title after not being on the top of my game early in the week. I have nothing to prove... I'm still looking to get better."

Peer was understandably disappointed after performing so brilliantly all week

"It was a very, very good week except for the final," she said. "The rest of the rounds were good, but this is the first time I have lost in a final, so it's not the happiest thing.

"Venus is very experienced and she was focused from the first game. Against players like her I can't afford to start slowly."